Good morale, many will tell you, is the key to good performances and such a sentiment has certainly proved true with Cadel Evans so far. The Aussie legend is racing in his home country for the first time since his 2011 Tour de France win, and judging by the smile he has carried with him throughout the last week or so it is an experience he is thoroughly enoying. Naturally a star attraction down under, the former world champion is also reaping the rewards on the road as he sits fourth overall after two stages.

Evans, who turns 37 next month, is determined to prove he can still compete for a Grand Tour as he did so well at the Giro d’Italia. He faces much tougher tests than Checkers Hill if he is to do exactly that, but coupled with a podium spot at the Australian national road race, Evans has started his year as he means it to go on. Identified as an overall contender down under, he is certainly still in with a shot at the ochre jersey. And with the former world road race champion clearly enjoying his racing, who knows what that could lead to in the months ahead.