Cycling: Gudsell signs with professional team

Tim Gudsell has joined the small but illustrious list of New Zealand cyclists to be offered a pro contract with a top European cycling team.

Te Awamutu rider Gudsell, 22, has been offered a two-year contract with Francaise des Jeux (FDJ), who he has been training with in recent weeks.

The French team, directed by Marc Madiot, has had English-speaking riders from the United States, England, Australia and South Africa, but Gudsell is the first New Zealand cyclist.

BikeNZ High Performance Director Michael Flynn said it was huge news for Gudsell and New Zealand cycling.

"Being selected for one of the major pro teams in Europe is big news throughout the cycling world. It is a real credit to Tim and shows just how talented he is."

FDJ, the French lottery organisation, has been sponsoring pro cycling teams based out of France since 1997 and has teams in all the major pro cycling races, including the Tour de France.

Gudsell caught the attention of Francaise des Jeux in April when he won the under-23 Tour du Haut-Anjou for his French club VS Albi.

That came just a month after he left the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in controversial circumstances after his involvement a drunken incident with two New Zealand teammates.

A CyclingNZ judicial panel later found Gudsell and track teammate Marc Ryan had breached both their athlete's agreement with BikeNZ and CyclingNZ's disciplinary policy.

The panel recommended that both athletes seek advice from a New Zealand Academy of Sport advisor "to manage their lives in order to achieve sporting excellence".

It also said both riders should consult a sports psychologist to develop strategies and prepare and plan for future competitions.

- NZPA