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Honouring the rainbow stripes
The 2010 season cannot come quickly enough now that Cadel Evans has
secured the world title, and although the course for next year's Tour
de France won't be released until the end of the October, the possible
scenarios which may unfold in the world's greatest race are exciting.
By
earning the right to wear the rainbow jersey for the next 12 months (as
the winner of the world championship is entitled to), Evans could be
the first contender for the Tour de France General Classification since
Greg Lemond in 1990, to challenge for the yellow jersey whilst in the
world championship strip.
The thought of the rainbow jersey
being replaced for yellow in the mountain stages is distinctly possible
even if Silence -Lotto's management believe their "little Aussie
battler" may face too much competition to win the grand boucle.
In a translated excerpt from an interview conducted in French by www.cyclismag.com, Silence-Lotto's athletic director Herman Frisian, immediately after Evans magnificent victory in Mendrisio, had this to say.
"We
must be realistic - with Contador and Armstrong and Schleck, it will be
very difficult to win the Tour in the coming years," he said. "I would
love to put it into his (Evans) head to one day win the Giro or the
Vuelta. It would be a victory. This goal is within reach (of Evans and
Silence-Lotto)."
What a cop-out! It seems Silence-Lotto has given up on Evans ever winning the Tour de France.
But
judging by today's reports Evans has every intention of honouring his
world championship jersey all the way to Paris in 2010 - as he should
be allowed to.
"Whether I won on Sunday or not, it doesn't
change my mentality or work ethic towards my job. It's actually my
first victory in a one-day race that's not a time trial, so I probably
should stick to my stage races - that is my day job!".
"I
don't ride that many one-day races, so I don't get much of an
opportunity to excel at them, I'm always concentrated on training for
the Tour," added Evans.
Frisian's comments aside, it will be
very hard for Silence-Lotto to deny their world champion another shot
at a Tour de France podium - and a win.
Cadel Evans is a rider
in the absolute prime of his sporting life, and I'd like to think we
will see him going toe-to-toe with the riders in yellow - whoever it
may be - in the decisive stages.
How good would that be - the rainbow and yellow jerseys in a genuine slugfest?
Even
better if the man in yellow was Lance Armstrong, who will return to
France heading his new Radio Shack team. Although Shack's roster hasn't
been confirmed, there's no doubt Armstrong will assemble a star-studded
team made up of super riders.
Reportedly, we'll get a glimpse of
this possible showdown at the Tour Down Under in January where
Armstrong and Evans are both expected to appear.
And although
expectations of a titanic Tour de France battle are unlikely on the
roads of South Australia, it will certainly whet the appetite of things
to come later in 2010.
Your Say
Adelaide
Unless Astana lose their licence Contador isn't going anywhere. If they do I think Garmin will be throwing the most money at him with Wiggins gone, would probably only be a one year contract though. Where ever he is he will be hoping there is no TTT as radioshack would be dangerous. What interests me more is the rumours of Andy Schleck going to Radioshack, is Andy definately staying at Saxobank? I believe he has a year left on his contract and is unlikely to move if it doesn't include his brother.
Newcastle
If Valve-Piti is Found guilty and Astana no longer ProTour, you would think Contador a shoo in for what is shaping up as a very strong Caisse team.
Gold Coast
I just finished watching the World Champs and I have to say how super-impressed I was with the Australian Team. You can say what you like about who they were riding for (Gerrans or Evans) but that team absolutely smoked! They single-handedly brought back the breakaway and put both Gerro and Cadel in with a show. Cadel's experience, and class, showed through to what is now a historic ride. All credit to a super-strong team. This, for me, solidified my belief that with the right team Cadel could rule and Grand Tour.
Lithgow
Seriously Simon, Contador stranded? He didn't look like he had too much trouble on his own this year attacking. As for no team support, if the UCI whispers hold weight, Astana might loose their pro license allowing AC to leave for Caisse or Garmin. Maybe thats why Vaughters was excited on twitter the other day?
Melbourne
I think Silence would be foolish to drop Cadel and the Rainbow jersey for someone still yet to prove he has what it takes to wear the maillot jaun. The competition for Cadel will come from Armstrong and Radioshack and Schleck and Saxobank. Will the strongest team players following Armstrong to RS, I hope Contador will be left in a situation reminiscent of Cadel in previous TdF.......No team to help!
Brisbane QLD
It is refreshing to read the chat about Cadels upcoming oportunities and not to have to wade through the bagging. I believe that Cadel is in his prime at this time and hope the 'wins' last. I wish him well next year and whatever he does re the tour, it will obviously be an improvement on this year. I hope that the rainbow jersey will assist his cause and well done.
Newcastle
There is alot to praise Evans at TDF this year. Many other leading riders finding themselves out of sorts (health, team dynamics, form etc...) may have just left. To see Evans finish in the Gruppetto although sad highlighted a change in attitude for the race. Basically using it to regain form, health etc... It paid off with a great Vuelta (arguably could have been first, may end up 2nd) and an exceptional WC. His ride to latch onto the front 8 when Cancellara was motoring was where he won the race, he also chased down Valverde when he made a dive up the inside and not soon afterwards made the selection of 3 and attacked before anyone could react. Spain stuffed it up, 3 class riders in a group of 9 they should have dictated terms. They were dictated to by Evans and haven't coped any real flack in the media.
Lithgow
Sam don't you mean bad luck for part of the year instead of entire year? Cadel has ridden very well the last month and pre TdF. He had one bad month and a mechanical issue a month later. Please tell me we won't have to endure this nonsense for another 10 months Mike? Will he or won't he be supported... Silence/Omega Pharma is stupid and other dribble. Herman Frisian is right about Contador being hard to beat, but overestimating the individual abilities of Armstrong and Schleck. Yes they have strong teams, but one on one, Cadel can combat both men in the hills and ITT. If Cadel hadn't have been sick, he'd have been close or finished ahead of both this year. AC is the only rider he struggles to match overall, so until the course details are released it best to sit back and wait. Maybe Cadel could ride the first week and half of the Giro hard and if he has a chance of the win, commit for the final week and a half. If not, slow down, use the remaining part as training to focus for the Tour.
Newcastle
Is Lotto really likely to leave Cadel out of the TDF. Imagine the rainbow jersey in the lead pack (Advertising dollars are everything). Looking at the best TTT squads in the world, if Contador has to stay with Astana he may be at a disadvantage rather than Evans. Mind you Radioshack should be good. I don't think a TTT will be there in 2010, it killed the race a little luckily the the infighting at ASTANA kept everyone amused.
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