Sunday, July 24, 2011
Evans set to become first Aussie to capture Tour de France crown
Associated Press
GRENOBLE, France
Cadel Evans seized the Tour de France yellow jersey in the next-to-last stage Saturday, all but giving Australia its first victory in cycling’s showpiece event and capping one of the most dramatic races in years.
The two-time runner-up took the overall lead by overcoming a 57-second deficit to pass Andy Schleck of Luxembourg in the time trial.
A red-eyed Evans choked up on the victory podium, holding back tears before hurling the winner’s bouquet into the crowd.
“I really can’t quite believe it right now,” the 34-year-old Aussie said. “I have been concentrating on one event for so long.”
Although there is one more stage — today’s ceremonial finish along the Champs-Elysees in Paris — the leader after the time trial is almost certain to be the winner. Launching a successful attack during that flat ride is virtually impossible.
This year’s edition of the 108-year-old race was tense all the way — a riveting finish and without a serious doping blight that marred past Tours.
The Schleck brothers, knowing they had lost, embraced after the finish line of the 26-mile time trial. Evans leads Andy Schleck by 1:34, and Frank Schleck by 2:30.
The 20th stage was won by Tony Martin of Germany. Evans finished second in the stage — seven seconds behind — and was 2:31 faster than Andy Schleck.
The riders set off Saturday in reverse order of the standings. Andy Schleck had the benefit of riding last, and said beforehand that he’d have the added inspiration of wearing yellow.
By the first intermediate time check at the 9.3-mile mark, Evans had already erased 36 seconds of his deficit to Andy Schleck and was 34 seconds faster than the elder Schleck.
At the second, at 17.1 miles, Andy Schleck’s lead had vanished — Evans was 1:32 faster. The Luxembourg rider wasn’t even among the 10 fastest riders who had crossed that point. Evans then kept gaining as the stage progressed to the finish.