Roulston 10th in Hell of the North

Hayden Roulston fought off the flu to finish 10th the gruelling Paris-Roubaix cycling race, dubbed The Hell of the North, that features 52 kilometres of cobblestones in northern France.

Considering his health going into one of the world’s most prestigious one day classic bike races – only 74 riders out of 200 riders finished - Roulston said he was very happy with his ride and a top 10 finish overnight.

“I’m really happy with my ride, 10th in one of the hardest races you can do is a something to be very proud of.”

Roulston got his cold last Wednesday after a training ride and found the race a real battle.

“It was bad, I was so blocked up in the head all day with green things coming out of my nose, coughing and spluttering, I really suffered and don’t how I did what I did so all things considered I had a super day.”

“It was a fight after fight, no down hills for recovery. The risks were huge; you really risked a lot to be in the front on the cobbles. At times I laid it on the line, at other times I noticed the favourites relax a little and so did I.”

Although finishing in the top 10 Roulston was left wondering what he could have done if he had been fully healthy?

“If I was a hundred present healthy there is no doubt in my mind I could have been with Thor’s (Thor Hushovd) group or somewhere closer. Cancellera though just made everyone look stupid.”

Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland won the 259-kilometre race after attacking with 45 kilometres to go.

Thor Hushovd of Norway was second and Juan Antonio Flecha of Spain was third and fellow New Zealander Greg Henderson finished 19th.

Roulton’s next race is Tour de Romandie in just over two weeks time before the focus turns to the major tour events.

ends

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