Recalled Roulston eager to play his part for cup squad
As a professional cyclist the majority of his working life, Hayden Roulston knows the unwritten code of team dynamics.
As he works his way back into the Olympic squad, it’s about downplaying the I and pushing the we.
Yesterday, the Beijing double Olympic medallist was recalled to the team pursuit squad for the track World Cup in Cambridge from December 4-6.
The squad of Piet Bulling, Alex Frame, Regan Gough, Dylan Kennett and Marc Ryan won the world championship in Paris earlier this year, a first for New Zealand.
Kennett (knee) and Ryan (calf) are recovering from injuries and will miss next month’s event, meaning Roulston, Cam Karwowski and Nick Kergozou join Bulling, Frame and Gough in the squad.
“There’s a big possibility I won’t even ride at this World Cup,” Roulston said.
“I’m not going well enough to be in the four [yet]. The best thing is I have an extra week of training leading in, which I wouldn’t normally have.”
The 34-yearold acknowledged how much the programme had evolved since his silver and bronze in Beijing. Cycling is now second to rowing in terms of investment from High Performance Sport New Zealand.
“It was the young guys challenging us in 2008, now I’m challenging them but there’s definitely enough time [to Rio],” Roulston said. “Their numbers are incredible. If I’m not good enough to be in, I’m not going to poison that team.”
Roulston suggested his experience was helpful.
“I think they look up to me, have a bit of respect, especially as we get closer to the Olympics. I have been there but haven’t achieved everything, hence why I’m back.”
BikeNZ high performance director Mark Elliott expects good competition for places.
“The team is so close that any day any rider can put themselves up the pecking order.
“Hayden’s experience and passion will be good. The young guys don’t have his background, but they have some power and he will struggle to stay with them.
“We want to give him exposure with three of our world champions.”
Karwowski is also likely to contest the six-discipline omnium in place of a rested Aaron Gate.