Julian Dean adds to Taupo weekend

Nov 24th, 09. Kiwi pro cyclist Julian Dean has added his support to this weekend's Taupo cycling extravaganza by signing up to ride The Elite Street Race on Friday night.

"I think it's always good for the cycling community to support local events and Round Taupo is an iconic event in cycling in New Zealand," Dean told RoadCycling.co.nz this afternoon.

He said he's not in good enough condition to do the main race on Saturday, but Friday's race is different.

"I can make an appearance and be showing support to the event in another means. The criterium provides that kind of opportunity," he said.

Dean hasn't been back in New Zealand long enough to catch up with the emerging teams based racing but he thinks it's a good idea. With Bici Vida challenging Subway and other teams looking to join them in 2010 the scene is becoming more balanced.

"The nationals were a prime example of one team controlling the race, having power over the rest of the individuals. Hopefully this will balance out the situation a bit, and those on all teams will benefit a bit from that," he said.

Dean says teams based racing in New Zealand is exciting for another reason too.

"It will open up the public and educate them a bit more on the prinicipals of bike racing, and how the rest of the world races. It will enable them to understand the Tour de France a little bit more."

Race organiser Peter Ulmer believes Dean's presence on the startline brings an added dimension to this Friday's event.

"The whole concept of the criterium (or Sreet Race which describes the event more simply) is to showcase the very best athletes to the public in a short, sharp format. Whilst our home-based riders will tear up the tarmac all night long, having Julian compete will give those in Taupo for the Cycle Challenge a rare chance to see an athlete at the very top of his game without having to travel to France in July," Ulmer said.

Dean's presence has been made possible with the help of Hilton Hotel - Taupo.

Watch Julian Dean and other New Zealand elite riders at the The Elite Street Race starting in the centre of town at 6pm on Friday with the Elite Women's race (20mins+2laps). The Elite Men's race will follow at 30mins+2laps.

Other articles on this great weekend of cycling

• Photos: Meshy Holt and the other winners of the WorkoutZone road race
• Photos: Patrick Bevan's win at the Avanti Classic
• RoadCycling.co.nz's ride around the lake
• Local lad wins Avanti Classic
• NZ Road Champion wins WorkoutZone Road Race
• Results: Avanti Classic
• Results: WorkoutZone Women's Road Race
• Photos of the Taupo Elite Street racing
• Bici Vida hunt down the win
• Battle for the Taupo Streets - women
• Results: Taupo Street Race
• When once just isn't enough
• Top tips for tackling Taupo
• Start list for the Elite races
• Small field, big names in Elite Women's race
• Alison Shanks latest Taupo attraction
• Defending champion skips Taupo
• Julian Dean adds to Taupo weekend
• Taupo Cycle Challenge 10,783 and counting
• Street battle looming in Taupo
• Greg Henderson's tips for one day racing