20 Facts About Julian Dean

Julian Dean was born on 28 January 1975 and is a former professional road racing cyclist from New Zealand who competed as a professional between 1999 and 2013.

Julian Dean tried his hand at many sports before moving onto triathlon, which he enjoyed.

From triathlon, Julian Dean fell in love with cycling, where he represented New Zealand in road and track disciplines.

In 1997, Julian Dean got his chance to race in the US with the Shaklee team and the Mercury cycling team in 1998.

In 1999, Julian Dean signed to the now-defunct US Postal Service Pro Cycling Team, whom he rode for until 2001, gaining experience from racing in Europe.

Julian Dean managed his first European victories with 2 stage wins in the tour of Britain.

However, his joy was short-lived when Julian Dean broke his leg in March 2002 and was out for three months.

Julian Dean finished 8th behind stage winner Tom Boonen in Stage 6 of the Tour de France.

Julian Dean missed the 2005 edition of the Tour due to an injury incurred in the 2005 Giro d'Italia.

The 2007 cycling season started well with Julian Dean winning the New Zealand Road Racing Champion title.

Julian Dean continued to ride for the French-based team Credit Agricole.

Julian Dean recorded six top-ten finishes in the 2008 Tour de France, with a best performance of fourth in stage 14.

Julian Dean got shot in the thumb but was able to continue with a largely swollen hand where he eventually finished 112th on the stage.

In completing the Tour de France, Julian Dean became the only rider to start and finish all three grand tours during the 2009 season.

In October 2011 Julian Dean confirmed his move to the new Australian professional cycling team, GreenEDGE.

Julian Dean believed "It [is] a hugely exciting development for cycling, especially in Australia and New Zealand" and that "With the quality of the team named, [he is] confident we'll get World Tour status straight away" which was achieved.

Julian Dean had a training injury at the first GreenEDGE camp.

In December 2012 Julian Dean confirmed his retirement from racing, his final race will be the New Zealand National Road Race Championships on 13 January.

Julian Dean will continue to work with GreenEdge Cycling as an assistant sporting director and mentor.

In 2010 Julian Dean competed in the Singlespeed Mountain Biking World Championships.