Evans survives first week

By John Trevorrow

Australian's hope for an overall Tour win in Paris, Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto), has been quiet and staying out of trouble in the first week of the Tour. After a solid prologue, and good crash-avoidance skills, Evans currently sits in 16th place, just 56" seconds behind the overall lead, which is likely to change this weekend when the race hits the Alps.

"It is good to get through the first week and be close to the same time as my competitors," Evans told Cyclingnews. "So far it's all been good, now we will see what happens in the Alps. Also in between the Alps and Pyrenees can be decisive."

His team will now switch its focus from helping fellow Australian Robbie McEwen to the sprint wins and start working to protect Evans' overall standing. "My team-mates have been good. They have arrived at the Tour at their best level and that's all I ask from them. That's all I ask of them, to be at their best here, stay focused and so far the team has performed very, very well, beyond my expectations. I just hope they can continue all the way to Paris like that."