Rihs backs Evans to repeat Tour victory

While Evans continues his pre-season in Europe, BMC boss Andy Rihs is in Adelaide this week to watch the team race in the Santos Tour Down Under.

Rihs said the profile of this year's Tour de France suited Evans's strengths, particularly his time trialling, and said a strong team would again fully support the Australian's July campaign.

But Evans turns 35 next month and will have several formidable challengers, including Radioshack Nissan brothers Andy and Frank Schleck from Luxembourg and British rider Brad Wiggins (Sky).

Spaniard Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank), the best current Grand Tour rider, is yet to learn his fate as he fights a doping charge.

"I have total confidence that Cadel can do it again," Rihs said.

"Nothing is guaranteed, but I say I have confidence.

"It (the Tour route) speaks very much in favour of a man (like) Cadel."

BMC were particularly busy in the transfer market late last year and the two biggest names to join the team are Norwegian Thor Hushovd and Belgian Philippe Gilbert.

But can BMC fit Evans, Hushovd and Gilbert into their Tour team and maintain a focus on the Australian's title defence?

Their boss has no doubt the "super team" concept will work.

He also noted that Evans will not want to be contending for the famed yellow jersey early in the Tour, when Hushovd and Gilbert will probably have their chances.

"I know both will do everything so Cadel goes successfully," Rihs said. "Cadel is not chasing the (yellow) jersey from the first day, he does it smarter.

"If somebody else has it - perfect, no problem for that time. But the Tour de France is very clear again - we try to defend the title."

Rihs pointed out that having Gilbert and Hushovd meant there was less pressure on Evans to secure the team's top results, as the new pair will feature strongly in the European spring classics.

Rihs also backed the new Australian GreenEDGE team, saying it was great for the sport.

But he added eventually they would need to sign a big-name sponsor.

Melbourne businessman Gerry Ryan, of Jayco Caravans, will bankroll GreenEDGE for their first two years.

Rihs praised Ryan for being prepared to "open up the wallet".

"I know how to build up a team and I know it's not easy," he said. "It's not just collecting a few people, you need good experts in the team.

"The roster looks pretty good and it's a fresh idea."