The contenders – Cadel Evans (BMC Racing)
The contenders – Cadel Evans (BMC Racing)
Australian legend Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) will retire from professional cycling on February 1 as the first and only Aussie to have won the Tour de France.
Evans’ retirement follows a farewell tour of the former world champion’s home country, with the Tour Down Under his biggest chance of recording a final victory.
The 37-year-old finished just one second behind Simon Gerrans overall last year, and will be keen to at least repeat his 2014 stage win.
Evans leads a strong BMC Racing team, which also boasts compatriot Rohan Dennis, set to take on the hour record in February.
Regardless of how Evans performs, expect one of Australian’s all-time great sportsmen to enjoy a hero’s welcome in every town he passes through.