One Last Chance for Cadel Evans

When you think of Australian cycling, you think of Cadel Evans. But when Cadel thinks of cycling, he thinks of the Tour De France and his chances of finally winning the Grand Tour. Born in 1977, Cadel Lee Evans has had an illustrious career in professional cycling, from his early days in XC MTB – riding for Volvo Cannondale, to his transition to road racing, and subsequent successes.

Cadel took part in his first major road race in 2001, winning the Tour of Austria and continuing his winning ways through to the 2002 Commonwealth Games, taking gold in the Individual Time Trial. But it wasn’t until Evans placed 8^th overall in the 2005 Tour De France, that the media started  to speculate Evans as a Grand Tour contender in years to come.

Three years later, and Cadel Evans placed 2^nd overall in the 2008 Tour De France. From this moment on, Evans was seen more as a Tour rider than anything else…  Until he went against his usual cautious and calculated approach in 2009, and won the World Championships with an all out attack; something never before seen from the Australian.

Come 2010, and the now 33 year old had a year of few major results, although still managing to win the Fleche Wallone. Unfortunately, a broken elbow saw Evans lose the maillot jaune and any Tour hopes. A few months of recovery, refocusing and training set Cadel Evans up for a busy year in 2011, which brings us to the present…

Leading into the 2011 Tour De France, Cadel Evans has set his eyes on the podium for yet another attempt at winning the biggest sporting event in the world. Having already won Tirreno Adriatico and the Tour de Romandie, it seems the Aussie is on the path to one of his most successful years yet.  Cadel feels “the smaller details are on the right track; getting to know team mates, refining equipment selection, course familiarisation” and clearly believes he can at least podium in the Grand Tour – and possibly even climb the top step of the podium.

The 2011 Tour De France starts in less than a week! For Cadel to realise his dream, he will have to be a dominant force for 21 stages, and over 3430 kilometres. He will have to survive the carnage of 10 flat stages and subsequent sprint finishes, and several mountain passes and summit finishes.

To finish the event can be career changing.

To win the event is life changing.

Here’s to Cadel! 

Photos: copyright Tim deWaele