Cadel Evans has gone through hell and back during his long career in cycling to make it to where he is now.
Australian cycling cannot deny him the chance to go out on top, with a last crack at the world championships.
Let’s take a look at Cadel Evans’ career:
He has been riding bikes since he was about three or four years old. He would set off for hours, and only come back to his house when he needed to eat, or when it got dark.
With such a passion for riding, Evans began to compete in mountain biking, winning the World Cup in 1998 and 1999, and placing seventh in the men’s cross-country mountain bike race at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
Then in 2001, his career changed paths and he turned to full-time road cycling, signing to Italian trade team Mapei in 2002.
He wasn’t supposed to lead the team on his first Grand Tour, the Giro d Italia, but ended up in the pink after a drug bust for the leader.
The very next day he exploded on the mountain, losing a staggering amount of time and ultimately finishing the Giro of 2002 in 14th place.
Evans then went three seasons without any wins, suffering various injuries which led to a lack of fitness, and inevitably meant he missed out on major race selection.
His career then turned a corner, with Evans being named Australian Cyclist of the Year in 2006 and 2007, and eventually winning the men’s world championship road race in Switzerland in 2009.
In 2010, he moved to the BMC Racing Team, and in 2011 Cadel Evans was the first Australian ever to win the Tour de France.
2013 has been a particularly interesting year in Evans’ career.
He has had highs: third in the Giro, and his stage win on the Tour of Alberta.
But he has also had real lows, particularly in the Tour de France, where he was often climbing with the grupetto.
Regardless, Evans deserves one more crack at the world champion’s rainbow jersey.
His results speak for themselves and if he is in any sort of form, his never-say-die attitude will be of immense benefit.
Of course Richie Porte is there, but this year he should be Evans’ super domestique, with freedom in case Evans falters.
There is no doubt Evans’ career is winding down, but he should be given one last shot at one of the biggest prizes in cycling.
The man deserves to go out on a high.
Kathleen
Guest
Totally agree. cadel worked well with Montreal team and also pushed through to win a stage! I am hoping Cadel can keep a good BMC a team that does not function like a pack of individuals for the Giro next year. Cadel deserves a go!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Exactly, this story shows just how much of a never say die attitude Cadel Evans has and why he should never be discounted from ones calculations of a win.
Michael R
Guest
that's a great story - i hope it is true :-) there's nothing quite like anger to get the blood pumping - i can visualise Cadel reacting and doing exactly that. There is one psychological advantage that Cadel will always have, the deep rooted will to prove everyone else wrong. That's why, I believe, you can never write Cadel off fo as long as Cadel has the desire to contest. He may end it soon as his family commitments take over, but for now, if Cadel wants to contend, then he's a strong chance
Omerto Al
Guest
People should fnd out the real truth behind Cadel's win back in Treviso in 2009...here's what I heard: The Aussie team of 9 riders were asked to vote for who they would ride for. 8 voted for Gerro, only Cadel voted for himself. On race morning, Cadel (rightly) cracked the shts and demanded of the DS (Whitey?) someone ride for him, so just Wes Sulz was told to. Cadel was not happy Jan. Cadel rode with his Lotto team mates, mainly Russians and Belgians, using smarts to get away, attack the bunch and win solo. Way back the rest of the Aussies delivered Gerro into 10th...
Kathleen
Guest
Great choice! Well deserved! Love his never give up attitude! Really excited to watch the guys !
Gayle
Guest
It's all been said.. Nothing to add as far as i'm concerned..But is this the way it will be. I wonder....He deserves to be able to go for it.. Go Cadel, Go you good thing.
michael r
Guest
Damn right ! One last crack at it by Cadel, Ritchie's and Gerro's turn the next couple, before Dennis and Clarke are let loose.