May 4th, 10. He placed 10th in Paris Roubaix despite struggling with an illness he has yet to fully shake. With health a priority and his eye on July, Hayden Roulston is unsure of starting the Tour of California.

Roulston on the cobbles ©Graham Watson

“Heading into Roubaix I didn’t want to even acknowledge to myself how sick I felt, and looking back maybe I shouldn’t have raced. But I really wanted to, and I’m thankful I did as I had a good race but I know I could have had an even better result if I hadn’t been so sick - it really took it out of me.”

Roulston went home to Girona, Spain to rest for the week after Roubaix. He started training a week later and realised he was still suffering the effects of illness.

Since then he's been lying low and "Spending lots of time on the couch".

“It’s been a huge shame as I missed the Tour of Romandie last week and I’ve also missed out on really enjoying my time with my family.”

With July's Tour de France as his main goal, Roulston is taking the time to fully recover to ensure he's at optimal health when it really counts.

“I’ve still got time to be at my best and make the Tour team for July. I’m confident I will do this and that’s what’s driving me now, to get healthy, strong again, and come back fighting.”

HTC Columbia had planned for Roulston to race the Amgen Tour of California to be a right hand man to sprinter Mark Cavendish, but the Kiwi is unsure he'll make himself available.

“The team still wants me to go but I have to get well and have missed some training so I will see how this week goes.”

RoadCycling.co.nz wishes Roulston all the best and looks forward to seeing him knocking it up on the roads soon enough.

Roulston finishing 10th in Paris Roubaix ©TDWSport.com