Evans' baby means rushed trip to his race

Tour de France champion Cadel Evans is in Australia to promote his race, only days after the birth of his son Aidan.

Cadel Evans on podium duty at the 2019 Toward Zero Race Melbourne (Getty) Source: Velo

Cadel Evans' newborn son Aidan timed his arrival perfectly, meaning the Tour de France champion had plenty of time to attend the race that bears his name.

But it will still be a rush trip for the Australian cycling legend, who says his head is spinning after Aidan's birth.

Evans' Italian partner Stefania Zandonella gave birth to Aidan late last week in Switzerland.

"He (Aidan) was home on Friday and I was out on Monday," Evans said ahead of the weekend's Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road races.

"I'm rushing back on Monday. He wasn't late - he was like his Dad, last-minute. I'm still coming to terms with it all - so far, a fantastic experience."

Zandonella is a former professional skier.

"The poor little guy is going to be a skier or bike rider. Or both," Evans said.

He added Aidan's older brother, Evans' adopted son Robel, aged eight, had given immediate approval.

"I think big brother's opinion is 'I want nine more'," Evans said.

Apart from promoting the weekend's events and Thursday's Race Melbourne, Evans has also helped launch the first Australian ride to work scheme.

Evans and his long-time backers Swisse hope the scheme, where employees can salary sacrifice their bike commuting expenses, becomes a national program.

"I don't know if it's my role or my position, but it's promoting the sport - not just to elite cyclists and those hoping to ride the Tour de France or Olympics, but people just to be fitter and healthier," Evans said.

"Now I'm no longer a professional cyclist, I go for what I call therapy rides.

"When I've had enough of everything, I go out on my bike and come back a happier person for it."