A triumphant Thor Hushovd (Cervelo Test Team) bests Geraint Thomas (Sky) and world champion Cadel Evans (BMC) for the stage win.
(Image credit: Sirotti)
Cadel Evans (BMC) made the elite selection on the cobbles.
(Image credit: Sirotti)
The front group, with Cadel Evans (BMC) and Geraint Thomas (Sky)
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Cadel Evans (BMC) enjoyed the day in the sun
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
(Image credit: James Huang)
An emotional Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team) on the podium
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
World champ Cadel Evans (BMC)
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team) is in yellow after stage 8
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team) dons the maillot jaune
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Yellow jersey holder Cadel Evans (BMC)
(Image credit: Sirotti)
It was an emotional day for Cadel Evans as he surrendered the yellow jersey.
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
BMC teammates Mauro Santambrogio and Cadel Evans after finishing stage 9.
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
A dejected Cadel Evans (BMC) arrives at the finish.
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
He’s been close to winning a Grand Tour on many occasions, so will having the rainbow stripes of world road champion on his back give Cadel Evans that added motivation at this year’s Tour de France? Evans was unable to topple Ivan Basso at May’s Giro d’Italia, yet still had a solid ride and made no secret of the fact the Tour was still his main aim.
Nearly all of the attention was on Alberto Contador, Lance Armstrong and perhaps to a slightly lesser degree the Schleck brothers – Frank and Andy – heading into this year’s race. That works perfectly for Australia’s Evans who isn’t known for enjoying the pressure that comes with favourite status.
With Frank out of the race and a nice buffer over his general classification rivals following stage three, can Evans finally grab a Grand Tour win? Time will tell.
