22 Mar 2012

Julian Dean's Olympic dream shattered

10:28 am on 22 March 2012

The New Zealand cyclist Julian Dean's Olympic dream appears to be over after breaking his leg on the third stage of the Tour of Catalunya.

The GreenEdge rider was involved in a pile-up five kilometres into the 210 kilometre stage as snow, wind and rain caused havoc in the Pyrenees.

Dean swerved to miss a crash in front of him and hit a parked car.

The 36-year-old will require surgery on the leg likely forcing New Zealand's leading cyclist out of contention for the Tour de France and this year's London Olympic Games.

Dean, a seven times Tour de France competitor and veteran of five Olympic Games, would have led New Zealand's road team in London but the future of his professional cycling career is now in doubt.

Radioshack's Andy Schleck was among a host of riders who withdrew on day three of the event.

Astana's Janez Brajkovic of Slovenia crossed the shortened finish line at the 155 km mark after the final climb being cancelled due to the weather.