Newly crowned world champion, Cadel Evans, will be missing next year’s Tour de France if it’s up to Herman Frison, team manager at Silence-Lotto. After a poor performance in this past edition of the Tour, Evans refocused his season on the Vuelta a Espana where bad luck struck forcing him into second place behind Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d’Epargne).
“We have to be realistic. With Alberto Contador, Andy Schleck, and Lance Armstrong riding it will be very difficult for him to win the Tour in the upcoming years. I would like to see him win the Giro or the Vuelta. That would be a fantastic win and goal within his reach,” Frison told Cyclismag.
The past years have seen Evans finish a close second to Contador in 2007 and Carlos Sastre (Cervelo) in 2008.
Although Evans lacked the support of the Australian National Team, he surprised everyone, attacking on the final climb last Sunday to win the World Championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland.
The Australian was left dumbstruck when National Director Neil Stephens rallied his troops, “Tomorrow we’re all riding for Simon Gerrans” he was quoted in Het Nieuwsblad.
Evans protested, “I will not ride for Simon, because I can win as well. I demand a vote.” The vote however turned in Gerrans’ favor, receiving eight votes versus Evans’ one. Even Silence-Lotto teammate Mathew Lloyd voted against Evans, but Evans had the last laugh, taking a solo win to claim the title silencing all of his critics.