Cycling: Kiwi rides emotions from elation to despair in Tour

By TERRY MADDAFORD

After an encouraging eighth place in a helter-skelter 196km sixth stage from Bonneval to Angers, New Zealand cyclist Julian Dean is looking for more as the Tour de France starts its second week.

In a message on his website after yesterday's seventh stage, a shell-shocked Dean said he hoped he would get the chance to win a stage, but admitted it would not be easy.

The first week of his first ride in the world's most famous cycle race has been an eye-opener for Dean.

From the highs of seeing their Credit Agricole sprinter Thor Hushovd in the tour leader's yellow jersey after the second stage, Dean and his team-mates were a day later plunged into the depths of despair with a series of punctures and spills in the cobbled sections of the third stage.

"I arrived at the cobbles in a good position and passed through them with no problems until I punctured in the last 500m.

"Once again it was the worst timing. Just before the cobbles there was a big crash that split the field and although I was in the front group when I punctured, the team car with the wheels was a long way back.

"I waited well over a minute as I stood there helpless on the side of the road and watched as the rest of the race came off the cobbles and blew past me. It was a terrible feeling. The race was going away from me and I was still standing there, not able to do anything but wait."

Dean got back into the race but was left to chase as the pace picked up.


Dean said team morale was "on the floor" after the third stage, in which Hushovd quickly surrendered the yellow jersey.

"It was completely the opposite of what it had been a day earlier. A very sharp reminder of how quickly the highs can turn to lows in the tour."

The next day was no better for Dean and his team.

"There are two things that I don't really like at all - rain and team time trials. A combo of both is one I would rather do without. Thankfully we all managed to stay upright and there were no dramas."

The fifth stage was a chilly reminder of home for Dean.

"It was much like the Tour of Southland. Wind, rain and cold with a head-wind most of the day with occasional crosswinds, some sunshine and long periods of rain.

"It was one of those battling days. Worst of all I didn't know what to do with my rain jacket. Every time I put it on it would rain for a bit then stop, I'd take it off and immediately the rain would start again."

After the stage Dean had dinner with race director Jean Marie Le Blanc and the French Minister for Sport.

"We didn't get back to our rooms until 11pm. That aside, the food was terrible. Even though we are staying at a notoriously bad hotel chain, I thought that with the minister there they would make more of an effort.

"But nah. The pasta was overcooked and the chicken dry and crusty."

Back on the bike next day, Dean was soon into the cut and thrust.

"After the first 50km I was feeling like a loser as I couldn't even get to the front of the bunch. After about 100km I finally found my legs.

"The break came back in the final few kilometres as the peleton hammered through the final 10km.

The arrival into town at breakneck speeds, dodging roundabouts and traffic islands was a sure leadup to a heinous crash. It was hair-raising and I felt like I was risking my life to try and get among it. The rush is just insane."

After almost being brought down, Dean regained some composure and eventually stayed upright to finish eighth.

"I have had a lot of very close calls in this race. None closer than this ... it's really unnerving."

After that mind-blowing experience came another as Dean tackled yesterday's seventh stage from Chateaubriant to Saint-Brieuc.

"It was a start like never before. I could not believe how fast we were going for the first hour. We must have averaged 55km/h.

"Eventually I was able to do my job and lead out Thor [Hushovd] who was able to finish it off in the sprint.

"I wasn't feeling that good on the small climbs. In the end I was suffering a little. I had to keep looking down to see if my back wheel was rubbing. That's how it felt. I hope those feelings will pass.

"Tomorrow [the overnight stage] is the last before the rest day. I hope the feelings of yesterday's stage pass and I'll be able to find my rhythm and confidence on the climbs next week.

"If I can't, I'll be in a spot of bother. Until then though I will just keep on racing."