Cycling: Solid start for Roulston in Paris-Nice

New Zealand cyclist Hayden Roulston lies 28th on general classification after two stages of the Paris-Nice race, 35 seconds down on leader Alberto Contador (Spain).

Roulston, riding for the Cervelo TestTeam, placed 42nd in the 195km second stage which finished in La Chapelle-Saint Ursin early today (NZT). He was part of a group of over 100 riders which finished on the same time - four hours 45 minutes 01 seconds - as stage winner Heinrich Hussler (Germany).

Roulston yesterday finished 30th in the first stage 9.3km time trial around Amilly in 11 minutes, 40 seconds - 35 seconds behind Spanish winner Alberto Contador.

The Paris-Nice finishes on March 15, with tomorrow's third stage taking the pack 178km from Orval to Vichy.

- NZPA