Greg Henderson selected to represent New Zealand at the Olympic Games 2012
Greg Henderson of Team Lotto Belisol is having a dry season and is not in the right form ahead of the biggest sporting event of the year, the 2012 Olympic Games.
The cyclist has been chosen by the New Zealand selection committee for the coming events where he will captain the two-man men’s squad along with the 2010 NZ National Champion Jack Bauer.
Greg has also been chosen to mark his Tour de France debut this year under his new side, Team Lotto Belisol.
His tremendous form in the past few years and the previous Olympics experience is the main reason why selectors opted to go with Greg for the mega event.
The cyclist is all set to represent his nation at his fifth Olympics appearance after marking his debut at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
BikeNZ High Performance Director, Mark Elliot backed Henderson’s inclusion at the Tour de France and the 2012 Olympic Games.
He cited that the Tour participation will give him an exposure of the most competitive cycling race of the year and will also boost his confidence for the London Olympics.
The Tour participation, “will provide him with the ideal platform for the Olympic road race," Mark stated.
While commenting on the two-man men’s Kiwi squad for the event he cited, "Jack is an immensely talented athlete, a big, powerful rider whose abilities have been well and truly recognised by the top teams”.
“Jack’s abilities are suited to this type of circuit where he will be required to play a key support role for Henderson”.
“Added to that Jack is an accomplished time trialist and he is a top-15 prospect for London in that event".
Linda Villumsen of Team GreenEdge-AIS will fill in the only available women’s squad for the event.
"Julian is coming back from a horrendous injury and it is a testament to his fortitude and commitment as a professional that he has recovered so quickly," Elliot cited.
The option to select only two cyclists from the whole New Zealand squad makes the selector’s job very difficult.
As a result, two of the most experienced Kiwi riders, Julian Dean and Hayden Roulston will miss the chance to ride the London’s event.
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