- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Tour de France champion Cadel Evans could put his hand up for Olympic selection in the time trial. Evans has already expressed a strong interest in being part of Australia’s five-man team for the road race.
While the Games road race course will not suit him, he wants to help a rider such as Matt Goss or Stuart O’Grady contest for the gold medal.
The one achievement missing from Evans’ glittering career is an Olympic medal, with his best result at the Games being his fifth in the time trial four years ago at Beijing.
The road cycling events at the Olympics come only a few days after Evans finishes his Tour title defence in July and his interest in the time trial appears to be growing.
“I think I could do a good time trial there, especially considering the timing of the Olympics,” he said.
But Evans added he was not aware of the selectors’ thinking about the time trial, where the Australian men will have two starters.
Richie Porte and three-time world champion Mick Rogers are also strong candidates for the time trial spots.
Speaking on Tuesday via video link from a BMC team training camp in Spain, Evans made it clear the Olympics this year are a major objective.
“I want to give myself every chance to go for another medal, because it’s something I don’t have,” he said.
“The day the Tour finishes, I work 100 per cent for the Olympics.
“My motivation is there as it would be for the yellow jersey – that’s for sure.”
Asked to clarify his desire for an Olympic medal, Evans said he would be rapt if he could help a team-mate reach the podium for the road race.
“If I was to win a medal, it has to be in the time trial – I can’t imagine the Olympic road race splitting up,” he said.
“Whether that be a Matt Goss or Stuart O’Grady ultimately winning a medal, one of the right colour, that’s the goal I go there with.
“I go there to be a useful and effective part of that team, that’s my motivation for the road race.”
Evans called last year’s historic Tour win “a stamp of approval” for his career.
He is pleased with his current state of fitness, saying he had done some good training despite his busy Australian off-season.
Evans added the strength and the unity of the BMC team would be critical to his chances of winning a second-straight Tour title.
BMC have strengthened their roster dramatically, signing star riders Philippe Gilbert and Thor Hushovd among others.
Fancy a wager on your favourite sport? Head on over to PlayUp for great odds and friendly customer service and pick a winner. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.