Cadel Evans has started the year on top form, finishing sixth in the Tour Down Under and third in Tirreno-Adriatico. The Critérium International this week should suit him well, but the Australian does not want the burden of top favorite.
This goes to a Spaniard. “Alberto Contador is the clear favorite,” Evans said at a press conference on Corsica. “He has climbed well since the start of the season, he has won races. He has also done time trials, which is something I haven’t done too much so far this season.”
But Evans will have a chance on the first day’s finish to make a difference. “On Ospedale, it all depends how fast the others are going, but yes, it is a climb that could suit me,” the World Champion said. Like Contador, Evans checked out the 14km climb that has an average gradient of 6 percent.
Evans has another motivation on his back – his distinct World Championships jersey. “It is incredible – it gets recognized everywhere you go. I’m getting used to it, I’m not getting sick of it.” So far there has been no Rainbow Jersey curse for Evans and he will hope it stays that way.