Hayden Roulston to ride for RadioShack Nissan Trek

NZ Road Champion Hayden Roulston has dual goals for 2012 ©Graham Watson

Oct 27th, 11. Hayden Roulston has confirmed his plans for 2012. He is racing on the road with RadioShack Nissan Trek and is aiming to double up with Olympic track success.

"I'm really excited to finally confirm my future. 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," said the 30 year old.

"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, RadoShack Nissan Trek 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 Jens Voigt, Fabian Cancellara, Andy and Fränk Schleck, Chris Horner and of course NZ's Jesse Sergent.

Roulston's role in this powerhouse team is to contest the Classics; 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 one of the Classics.

Bruyneel made it clear he wanted Roulston in the mix and is very understanding of the importance that the Ashburton born Kiwi 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," he said.  

"We have had ongoing and fruitful discussions with BikeNZ throughout the process, they have been very supportive and I think they 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 in 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 knows I have big dreams on the road as well as the track and with the support of Radio Shack Nissan Trek 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."

Related - 2011/2012 team roster transfers and announcements