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Cadel Evans |
 Cadel Evans, 34, produced an extraordinary individual sporting feat by an Australian when he won the Tour de France in July. His victory in one of the world’s toughest events was the first by an Australian and followed his second placings in 2007 and 2008, fourth in 2006 and eighth on debut in 2005. He was also the oldest winner in 88 years. His BMC team took second place in the team time trial and then he won stage four in a photo finish over triple tour champion Spaniard Alberto Contador. But his epic rides in the third week through the Alps and in the penultimate stage time trial in Grenoble were mesmerising. Millions of Australian viewers sat on the edge of their seats as Evans chased down eventual runner-up Andy Schleck on stage 17 to Serre Chevalier-Galibier after the Luxembourg rival attacked. Then on stage 19 to L’Alpe d’Huez, Evans showed his calm under pressure when he switched bikes because of mechanical problem as Contador and Schleck attacked and, after dropping back to the next group, reeled them in before the last climb. Then came his Tour winning ride in the time trial on stage 19 which saw him take the yellow leader’s jersey from Schleck that he wore and defended the next day - the 20th and last stage to Paris. |
