Rogers returns to racing after heart scare

Top Australian cyclist Michael Rogers is about to return to racing after needing time off because of a heart condition.

Australian Michael Rogers at the Tinkoff training Camp in Gran Canaria (Biondi/BettiniPhoto) Source: Biondi/BettiniPhoto

Australian cycling star Michael Rogers will return to racing after needing time off because of a heart condition.

His Tinkoff-Saxo team announced that the three-time world time trial champion would be in their lineup for the 3-6 February Dubai Tour.

The 36-year-old was a notable absentee from last month's national road championships and the Santos Tour Down Under.

It emerged late last year that Rogers needed time off because the heart condition had become worse.

The team said that in 2001, Rogers was diagnosed with a congenital bicuspid aortic valve, where the valve does not close properly.

They added that a routine echocardiogram showed a "possible progression" in the condition.

But team director Tristan Hoffman said Rogers trained well during a team camp at Gran Canaria.

"After several meticulous heart examinations throughout December and January, I'm relieved to have the green light to start the Dubai Tour," Rogers said in a team statement.

"I greatly benefited from the recent team training camp in Gran Canaria, where I was able to take the first steps to regaining full fitness."

Rogers said he would have modest goals in Dubai and would support his teammates.