Dominique Rollin announced himself as a strongman to watch for the future at last year's Tour of California's queen stage, a 217 kilometer slog in terrible conditions down the coast from Seaside to San Luis Obispo. Rollin, then riding for the now defunct Toyota United team, escaped from a select group a time trialed home for the biggest win of his career. The Canadian showed his qualities as a tough one day stylist made for difficult conditions, and he was rewarded for 2009 with a contract to ride for the new Cervelo TestTeam.
Rollin will have chance to ride alongside some of the best cyclists in the world, and he'll also have a chance to compete in some of cycling's toughest one day races. His ability to outride lesser riders in tough conditions will serve him well at the spring classics in Europe. Indeed, with good form and some luck, Rollin could find himself in contention at the Tour of Flanders, or even Paris-Roubaix.
Rollin's first full year in Europe will probably see him learning more than winning, and taking his lumps along the way. But at only 27 years old, Rollin's best years are ahead of him. Providing that he can adjust to the style of racing in Europe, "The Weapon of Mass Destruction" could wreak havoc on the European peloton in the near future.
For those that have never met Rollin, it should be stated that there are few cyclists in the sport who are as accommodating and personable. Always smiling and a willing domestique when the need arises, Rollin will be invaluable to Carlos Sastre in the grand tours. His can do attitude and positive outlook will work wonders for the Cervelo team, as it begins finding its identity within the European peloton. Rollin too will be looking for his Euro identity, as he looks to continue improving with an eye, someday, on taking a European classic.
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2 comments:
It makes sense for Cervelo Test Team to sign the Canadian, too. Cervelo is based in Canada. Cervelo TT is getting a great rider and Rollin is a Canadian star who will represent the team well. (I will send you pictures that I took of Dominic at the ToM.)
The cuban missile has landed on his feet too, with Rock Racing :)
Dominique is the greatest. he's goind to dominate the european circuit next year. Hopefully he'll still do a little racing in the US.
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