Cadel Evans to open hs season in Mallorca

Tour de France champion Cadel Evans will open his new season at the Mallorca Challenge, starting Sunday.

The BMC rider will be joined by Andy and Frank Schleck with three-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador expected to only compete on the opening day of the event running from February 5-9.

The Spaniard is expected to skip the rest of the race with the Court of Arbitration for Sport set to hand down its ruling on his long-running doping case on Monday.

Evans is scheduled to compete in two of the four days of competition.

“I’m not changing very much this season when it comes to my preparation,” Evans said.

“Of course, I always look to improve wherever possible. But after 16 years of doing it, the improvements may not be that great that I can make. But if there’s any way we can improve, we will.”

Meanwhile BMC’s big-name recruits Philippe Gilbert and Thor Hushovd will compete at the Tour of Qatar, also starting Sunday.

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