Cadel Evans is a likely starter in Sunday's elite road race at the Australian road cycling championships.
Evans gave the nationals a major boost late last month when he registered for the road race.
But the 2011 Tour de France champion made it clear at the time he would not make a final decision on starting until much closer to race day.
Evans said his pre-racing training and a final consultation with BMC team officials would determine whether he competed.
It is understood that Evans is set to start, barring something unforeseen in the next four days.
This would be the first time since 2005 that Evans has competed at the road nationals.
Evans' racing program this year will focus on the May Giro d'Italia rather than the July Tour de France.
This means an earlier start to his schedule.
Evans has confirmed he will race from January 19 at Adelaide's Tour Down Under.
He last competed in that race four years ago, after his breakthrough 2009 world road title.
The elite men's road race on Sunday will feature a world-class field that includes fellow Tour de France stars Simon Gerrans and Richie Porte.
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