Evans says farewell to Europe

Cadel Evans has finished his final professional race in Europe, completing the Giro di Lombardia with a respectable top-30 finish behind winner Dan Martin.

The normally stoic Australian worked in service of Philippe Gilbert and Samuel Sanchez during the race, but found himself, in reflection, affected by the emotion of the occasion, his final race with BMC in Europe.

"Today it was important to be there for my leaders as best I could, as a professional that's my job. Significantly though, today was my last big, professional race in Europe, so it had quite a few emotions attached to it; particularly that my 'little man' could come to the sign on with me and experience that, and the overwhelming compliments I received from fans, members of the press and the race organisation.

"I'm sure I will miss the passion that Italian racing offers. I will definitely miss the adrenalin, but I won't miss the numerous potholes that try to throw off repeatedly during a 250km plus race like today's though.

"And...despite carrying a bit of a cold, the legs are actually coming along quite well...I don't think my four-year-old will notice it when we ride to school together this week."

Evans will now return to Australia before the final few events of his professional career. He'll take part in the Australian Road Championships, the Santos Tour Down Under, and finish, with the inaugural Cadel Evans Road Race, in Victoria.

Evans is then set to start a new role with BMC as part of its technical advisory team.