Dean unavailable for Commonwealth Games

New Zealand's top road cyclist Julian Dean has confirmed he is unavailable for selection for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. Dean, who came 9th in this year's Road World Championships in Madrid, said that his team, Credit Agricole, told him he is unable to compete. According to Dean, the timing of the Commonwealth Games is almost as bad as it could be for pro riders, coming between the Milan - San Remo and the Tour of Flanders, which are two of the biggest races in Europe.

Dean, while disappointed at not being able to compete for New Zealand is philosophical about his unavailability. "It is always good to ride for New Zealand, especially as it means so much to New Zealanders, and the Commonwealth Games is so good for the profile of the sport and the athlete," he said. "But my goal is to achieve at the very top level and in road cycling that is the ProTour in Europe, and the Olympics."