New Zealand road cycling champion and two-time Olympic Games medallist Hayden Roulston has ended months of speculation about his future today by confirming a contract with the newly-merged RadioShack Nissan Pro cycling team, containing some of the world's biggest road cycling stars including the Schleck brothers and Fabian Cancellara.
Roulston is in New Zealand preparing to pursue his fifth Powernet Tour of Southland title and while the deal is a significant one with one of the world's leading Pro road teams, the 30-year-old stressed that he is still able to chase his Olympic dream in London next year.
Roulston said that was a key to negotiations.
"I'm really excited to finally confirm my future,'' he said. "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.
"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 Cancellara, Andy and Frank Schleck and Chris Horner. Roulston's 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 what has for a long time been 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 that 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 Hayden, as the focus over the last few months was working to ensure the team chosen worked in harmony with the expectations of BikeNZ.
"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. We have had ongoing and fruitful discussions with Bike NZ throughout the process, they have been very supportive and I think know Hayden's passion is to ride for his country. This contract won't compromise that.''
The news comes at the end of a season that has had more downs than ups for the forthright Roulston, who openly admits he has a point to prove when he returns to Europe next 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. Johan [Bruyneel] knows I have big dreams on the road as well as the track and with the support of Radio Shack Nissan and Bike NZ I know I can be successful in both with a gold medal and a Classic win sounding like a nice way to enjoy 2012. People that know me will understand I am not about settling for second best.''
Hayden Roulston is in New Zealand and will be in Ashburton tomorrow at a speaking engagement before heading south for the Powernet Tour of Southland where he will ride for Calder Stewart Bike NZ.
