Cadel's golden moment

It might be six weeks later than expected, but Cadel Evans is showingform at the Vuelta a Espana many had hoped he would deliver at the TourdeFrance, writes Mike Tomalaris.

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.