Cycling: Dean out with mystery illness

New Zealand's top road cyclist, Julian Dean, was being treated in a private hospital yesterday after an undisclosed ailment forced his withdrawal from the Wellington-Wairarapa race.

Dean was taken to Wellington Hospital last night complaining of stomach pains and initial reports suggested he had had his appendix removed.

He was shifted to a private hospital yesterday and there is no indication when he will be discharged.

He had completed the second and third stages of the classic in the Wairarapa before being taken by car from Masterton to Wellington on Thursday night.

Dean was not talking to the media but a friend said he had not had his appendix removed.

After conferring with the rider, he would not elaborate on the cause of Dean's discomfort.

He said Dean was "all right and undergoing tests".

Dean, who rides professionally in Europe for high-profile French team Credit Agricole, was a late confirmation for the five-day Wellington-Wairarapa race, which ends tomorrow.

He competed in the Tour Downunder in Australia last week and was originally due to go back to his home in Spain after the Wellington-Wairarapa race.

Dean, 30, was being looked upon to provide a tough edge to New Zealand's pursuit for road medals at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in March before Credit Agricole said they would not release him.

- NZPA