Video
Podcasts
Blogs
Blogs
Cadel's golden moment
It might be six weeks later than expected, but Cadel Evans is showing form at the Vuelta a Espana many had hoped he would deliver at the Tour de
France.
Evans seems to have a liking for the three week Spanish endurance race
and I guess it's because there's less pressure and he doesn't have to
carry the burden of global scrutiny that he experienced in France.
Unlike
this year's Tour when Evans struggled on and off the bike, there are no
reports of personality clashes with Silence-Lotto teammates or management.
It's possible that he is now both mentally and physically tougher than most of his rivals for the Tour experience.
And judging by comments on his personal website, he genuinely seems happy and content within himself.
In
fact there seems to be unity and harmony within the ranks, and it was encouraging to see Matt Lloyd stick by his captain on the
critical mountain pass to the finish at Alto di Aitana after such a
gruelling day of continuous climbing - these were the images missing at the Tour.
Evans
and Silence-Lotto ultimately lost their chance for the Tour in the
stage four team time trial - it was a performance from which they never
recovered.
Perhaps Evans can be thankful the teams event is not on the 2009 Vuelta's itinerary.
After
eight stages everything has gone to plan for the Australian - from the
opening stage prologue to the flat roads of the Netherlands, Germany
and Belgium before the long transfer and the race's resumption on Spanish
roads, Evans has been within striking distance of his rivals on every
occasion.
And what about all the talk about Evans leaving Silence-Lotto at the end of the year?
Six
weeks is a long time in professional cycling and if you're winning, as
he currently is doing, the team environment and dynamics also changes
dramatically.
As I look into my crystal ball, these are the
possible headlines after the Vuelta finishes - "Evans signs another three year deal at Silence-Lotto"
Wherever he decides to go in 2010 is entirely up to him, of course.
But
judging by the way he is racing in Spain so far, here's hoping he stays
safe and healthy, continuous his winning ways, and triumphs as the
first Australian to win a Grand Tour.
Your Say
US
Nice post, thanks for sharing. Buy Essay Buy Thesis Custom Dissertation Coursework Writing
Adelaide
Perth
I agree, I would love to see SBS showing live coverage as streaming online is racing through my download limit, or at least would love a comment from SBS in relation to the lack of coverage. However I am confused as the universal stream does not work for me, I have to use the alternative link provided on cyclingfans.com, which is still excellent! Im very interested to see that One Hd wil be showing the world championships live this September, hope they do it justice.
Adelaide
At least we have the live streaming we can watch from universal sports, and the quality is excellent. Plus you get Matthew Keenan commentating, who for me did a fantastic job starting off each stage at the Tour. But i will jump on the bandwagon, and SBS needs to get live feeds for Vuelta, and the Giro...
Perth
I am sick of the way we talk about Cadel & his team. Who would think consecutive podium places at the tour de France was such an underachievement. Not all riders need to ride for teams like Astana & Saxobank to win. In many ways Cadel is a follower and perhaps one of the best in the world. He almost always seems to be able to match the tempo of the other riders so in a way the opposition pacers almost act as his team mates as well. The only reason Cadel hasn't won a grand tour so far is because he lacks that rapid acceleration of a Contador or a Schleck on a mountain, but that’s not always such a bad thing because he can often regain time in the time trials. Perhaps another three years with Silence Lotto might not be a bad thing, he will be guaranteed a ride in France and I am sure it wouldn’t do his wallet too much harm.
Perth
I am sick of the way we talk about Cadel & his team. Who would think consecutive podium places at the tour de France was such an underachievement. Not all riders need to ride for teams like Astana & Saxobank to win. In many ways Cadel is a follower and perhaps one of the best in the world. He almost always seems to be able to match the tempo of the other riders so in a way the opposition pacers almost act as his team mates as well. The only reason Cadel hasn't won a grand tour so far is because he lacks that rapid acceleration of a Contador or a Schleck on a mountain, but that’s not always such a bad thing because he can often regain time in the time trials. Perhaps another three years with Silence Lotto might not be such a bad thing, he will be guaranteed a ride in France and I am sure it wouldn’t do his wallet too much harm.
Melbourne
Sam from Perth - to remind you, Cadel finished second twice while Silence-Lotto threw all their weight behind Robbie McEwen. Agreed, it'll be tough for Mick with Cav on the team, but if luck goes his way with injuries and illness, he's a chance. Definitely doesn't get the attention he deserves. Cadel definitely needs a course similar to '06/'07.
sydney
Cadel was just unlucky at the tour. The team time trail didn't help. But now he is back and hungry as ever. The fighting spirit we all know about cadel. Go Cadel!
Melbourne
SBS please give reason to lack of extended coverage of Vuelta, particularly as there is an Aussie at the front of the GC
perth
It's a shame that sbs aren't a big budget tv station as i think the reason why we get little of the vuelta is because of the expense of buying the coverage off universal sports. really, wouldn't you buy a race which features an australian more than the giro which features very little of our talent. Martin from melbourne, rogers will never win the tour or any grand tour while he is at Columbia. There all for Cav. Cadel can still win the tour but will need a course like 06's or 07's tour which would suit him far more than 09's tour. that was hand picked for AC and his astana "team mates"
Add your Comment
Upcoming Events
.jpg)
