13 Feb 2009

Roulston set for first outing with new professional team

6:39 pm on 13 February 2009

The double Olympic medallist Hayden Roulston makes his return to the professional road cycling circuit this weekend in the Tour of California.

Roulston, who won a silver medal in the individual pursuit and bronze in the team pursuit in Beijing, will compete for the first time for his new Cervelo in the eight-day tour which covers almost 1300kms.

The New Zealander, who formerly raced for professional teams Cofidis and Discovery before a heart condition forced him out of the sport, made a successful comeback two years ago culminating in his double Olympic medal performances on the track.

The Cervelo team is led by Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre and two-time Tour points winning sprinter, Thor Hushovd.

There are three New Zealanders lining up in the tour with Rouston, Hawkes Bay rider Jeremy Vennell and Te Awamutu's Peter Latham, both lining up for Team Bissell.