Cycling: Dean targets August comeback

New Zealand road cyclist Julian Dean is eyeing a return to the bike in the Netherlands in August as he reflects on the anguish of missing this year's Tour de France.


Dean, 30, had three plates inserted as part of a right elbow reconstruction last week after a nasty pileup ended his participation in the Giro d'Italia.

It ruled out a start in a second consecutive Tour de France in July -- a bitter pill to swallow for the Credit Agricole rider.

"Last year was my first year at the top of the world. I was labelled the best leadout rider on the planet and ever since then all I've thought about is riding the Tour again," Dean told the Dominion Post from Valencia.

"It's so disappointing and the really sad thing for me is that the Tour de France is the only thing they (the general public) really know back in New Zealand.

"Last year was a big profile boost for me and I would have been much more confident this year, maybe even won a stage.

"When I broke my arm I was just coming into my first good period (of form)."

Dean said the pain of the latest injury was worse than last year when he broke both elbows, and when he a broke a leg in 2002.

His surgeon will allow Dean, who is sporting a cast up to his right shoulder, back on his indoor trainer next week but it could be late July before he can hit the road.

A logical comeback target is the Tour of Benelux from August 3-10.

Dean was wary of pushing too hard in his comeback and risking a career-threatening injury.

"If I do everything correctly, in three months' time I'll be back among the best in the world again."

- NZPA