After crashing out in the second stage of the Tour of Poland on Tuesday, Julian Dean has left New Zealand's elite men's hopes at the world road championships in shreds. The 31 year-old was expected to have two riders sent to Salzburg to work for him, but with at least two broken bones in his hand, the country doesn't appear to have a worthy substitute.
"More than our plans, the injury has thrown Julian's plans into disarray," said NZ high performance director Michael Flynn to stuff.co.nz. "His form was coming good after a terrible start to the year with sickness and problems with his knee. I don't know how much bad luck a bloke can possibly get."
Greg Henderson, who worked for Dean in last year's world championships in Madrid, was the only real alternative, but the US-based Health Net/Maxxis pro has chosen not to race this year in favour of resting and preparing for the upcoming track season.
"With the Commonwealth Games, and track and road commitments, Greg has had a long tough year," said Flynn. "He was shattered by the Games result and after the broken hip, he had to take time off and then come back."
Sarah Ulmer was another expected to do well at the world's, but a recurring back and leg injury has sidelined her for the time being. Consequently, Joanne Kiesanowski will be leading the women's team, supported by Toni Bradshaw, while time trial bronze medallist Peter Latham forms part of the U23 men's team, along with Tim Gudsell and Logan Hutchings.
The Under 23 and elite women road races will be held on September 23, with the Under 23 road race course 176.8km long and the elite women's course 132.6km long. The Under 23 men's time trial will be held on September 20, on a 39.54km long course.
New Zealand team for road world's:
Logan Hutchings (Papamoa) - Under 23 men
Peter Latham (Te Awamutu) - Under 23 men
Tim Gudsell (Te Awamutu) - Under 23 men
Joanne Kiesanowski (Christchurch) - Elite women
Toni Bradshaw (Auckland) - Elite women
