Hayden Roulston has set himself the goal of riding strongly in the Classics as part of the 2012 RadioShack-Nissan team, saying that he wants to both help Fabian Cancellara to victory and also to learn from his example. Roulston has been riding alongside some big riders while part of the HTC Highroad team and plans to keep learning and improving with his new squad.
“For sure the team will play a massive card in all the Grand Tours. I’m not totally sure of my program, but I do know that I’ll be doing the full Classics program,” he told VeloNation.
“The team for the Classics will be very strong. Obviously having Fabian at the helm will be something I’m most looking forward too. He has won it all, I hope to be able to learn from him, and be there to help him win again. It’ll be an honour and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
The New Zealand champion will once again return to a team managed by Johan Bruyneel , having previously ridden under his guidance as part of the Discovery Channel team in 2005. Roulston will now be part of a star-studded line up of riders which include Frank and Andy Schleck, Fabian Cancellara and Chris Horner.
The team last week had its first get together in Belgium, as new riders got familiar with each other off the bike. A big part of the reason for Roulston’s move the team is the emphasis he wants to place on the track next season with the London Olympics approaching. He has got the green light to target the 2012 Games, and is pleased with the opportunity.
“The track is going to be a big focus also. I’ve been released for all the track I need and for Johan to agree to this was a very important factor,” he said. “As a Kiwi the Olympics is huge, a gold medal is something I want to achieve next year. To me they both compliment each other.
“My first set of goals are on the road now. I want to do a stellar Classics season next year, just to thank the team for giving me this opportunity. Then I’ll change focus later in the year for the track. I’ll be doing many races though, not just the Classics so there will be a lot of chances. Olympic gold is also on my mind though, but to get there will take some great racing on the road too.”
Roulston was part of the HTC-Highroad team which this season spent its last year in the pro peloton. After the Tour de France, team owner Bob Stapleton announced the team would be ending due to lack of sponsorship. In a testament to what the team achieved, all its riders quickly found new employers despite a difficult transfer market.
“It actually wasn’t hard,” he explained. “I always knew that I’d end up in a great team. Six months ago I didn’t know if I’d be able to have the best of both worlds but it’s all fallen into place now. I do know its a hard market, though, and I’m just so thankful that I have been given this chance with Radioshack-Nissan. I want to show them the best years lie ahead of me.”