Cycling: Roulston signs with top class cycle team

Hayden Roulston will still be able to chase Olympic glory next year. Photo / APN

New Zealand road cycling champion and two-time Olympic Games medallist Hayden Roulston yesterday ended months of speculation about his future, confirming a contract with the newly merged RadioShack Nissan pro cycling team, containing some of the world's biggest road cycling stars.

Roulston is in New Zealand preparing to pursue his fifth Tour of Southland title and while the deal is a significant one with one of the world's leading professional road teams, the 30-year-old stressed that he is still able to chase his Olympic dream in London next year.

"This is a great move which enables me to have the best of both worlds and I can't stress how important that is to me," Roulston said. "Riding for New Zealand and wearing that silver fern is so close to my heart and was a big part in discussions with Johan [Bruyneel, RSN team director].

"This contract ensures that I am in the best possible shape coming from a fulltime pro-team environment but equally committed and prepared for the London campaign."

Roulston joins a team with some of the biggest names in the sport, including Fabian Cancellara, Andy and Frank Schleck and Chris Horner.

His role in this powerhouse team is to contest the "Classic" races, a format of racing that lends itself perfectly to preparation for the team pursuit on the track. It also allows him to chase a dream - to be the first New Zealander to win a "Classic".

Bruyneel made it clear he wanted Roulston in his team and is very understanding of the importance the Ashburton-born rider is placing on London 2012. Likewise, Roulston was looking for a deal and a team that gave him the ability to race at pro level but also to ensure the "horsepower" is there in the legs to deliver best results to the New Zealand track team.

Roulston's New Zealand manager, Scotty Brown, is delighted for him, as the focus over the past few months had been working to ensure the team chosen was in harmony with the expectations of Bike NZ.

"We had to make certain that the team Hayden joined knew the importance of his Olympic dream and the commitments he will have to Bike NZ over the coming months and in the lead-up to London."

The news comes at the end of a season that has had more downs than ups for Roulston, who has a point to prove when he returns to Europe in January.

"I'm so excited to have a shot at winning a 'Classic' and mixing it with the best riders in the world, not only in racing but in training too."

Roulston will ride for Calder Stewart Bike NZ in the Tour of Southland.