Evans to go Straight to the Olympics
If reigning Tour de France champion Cadel Evans had hoped for any rest after the Tour de France, he will have to wait at least till the end of the cycling events in the London Olympic Games after being named as part of a strong Australian lineup for the Games as the Aussies seek that Gold Medal which has so far eluded them in the men’s road cycling events. The cycling events at the London Olympic Games begin just a week after the end of the Grand Tour, where Evans will look to win back to back titles.
The Grand Tour kicks off in Belgium on Saturday, the 30th of June and will conclude on the 22nd of July, which means that Evans will just have 5 days in his hands after the end of the Grand Tour to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
The road cycling event takes place on the 28th of July and although Cadel Evans is not expected to be the team leader at the event with Matt Goss being the most likely candidate to be the protected leader in case of a bunch pack ending, Evans will start the race as one of the favorites and will go for the win if there is a chance for him to clinch the medal. They will face stiff competition from Team GB, who have both Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins lining up.
Matt White, the men’s professional coordinator stated that with very little time to prepare after the Tour de France, the riders will only have to carry their form from the Grand Tour of France. Cadel Evans is also expected to be a part of the time trial team along with Michael Rogers, a former time trial world champion.
In spite of an extremely strong team lined up, the onus will still be on Evans to help Australia to that elusive Gold Medal.
July 3, 2012 9:01 am | 