His star may have faded a little in recent years, but there is a reason Cadel Evans is not being laughed out of town when he suggests he still has a Grand Tour victory in him aged 36. His display of power and timing on Corkscrew Hill was simply unmatchable – even with esteemed climbers such as Richie Porte (Team Sky) and Gerrans giving chase. Naturally, the former world and Tour de France champion is going to slow down a little as the years mount up, but he has already proved by finishing third overall at last year’s Giro d’Italia that he is not to be underestimated.
An early-season victory over Porte, with whom he will battle for the maglia rosa come May, was a well-timed morale boost for the BMC Racing man and proved there is no substitute for experience. Clearly enjoying his time Down Under – something he admitted to again after today’s stage – there are bigger challenges to come, including Old Willunga Hill on the penultimate day of the Tour Down Under. Another emphatic display of power like today, and he will be simply untouchable.
