Cycling: Dean joins select few in second tour

Julian Dean is to join a select band of New Zealand cyclists to have ridden twice in the Tour de France.

Dean was yesterday confirmed in the nine-man Credit Agricole team to compete in the sport's greatest race.

He will add to his first appearance in 2004 and become just the fifth New Zealander to ride in at least two Tours.

The others were Tino Tabac (1971, 1972, 1973 and 1976), Eric Mackenzie (1982, 1983, 1985 and 1986), Stephen Swart (1987, 1994 and 1995) and Nathan Dahlberg (1988 and 1989).

"Believe it or not but I'm up for the Big One," a delighted Dean said on his website. "It has been a pretty difficult path to get there ... again. Much like the last time, I think my best form will come during the Tour de France."

In a similar manner to two years ago, Dean has battled back from injury to force his place in the nine-man team. His season appeared to be shattered by a knee injury two months ago but solid performances in the recent Tour of Luxembourg and the Tour of Switzerland - both five-day stage races - proved his fitness.

Dean, ninth at last September's world championship road race in Spain, missed the 2005 Tour de France after breaking his right elbow in a crash in the Tour of Italy.

In 2004 he earned the label the "best leadout rider on the planet" after helping his team's No 1, Norwegian Thor Hushovd, win two stages and wear the coveted yellow jersey for a day.

Hushovd won the points classification last year and is out to claim the green jersey again, with Dean to play a key role in that, says another cycling website.

Five of the nine Credit Agricole riders are from France.

- NZPA