Aussie Cadel Evans, here racing in the Tour de France, heads to Beijing (Image credit: Bettini Photo)
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) received confirmation August 4 that Cadel Evans, runner-up in the Tour de France, will arrive in the Olympic host city Beijing on Wednesday and take his place in the road race on Saturday, day one of the Games.
Evans, 31, was originally listed for the road race and as Australia's lone rider for the time trial. However, he offered his time trial spot to three-time World Champion Michael Rogers after suffering a knee injury during a post-Tour party. The International Cycling Union (UCI) granted Australia a second spot in the event via a wild card and reopened the door for Evans.
He has been receiving intense treatment on a knee injury at the pre-Olympic training camp in Italy said AOC in a press release. "If Evans pulls up well after the road race he will contest the time trial four days later along with former world champion Michael Rogers."
Simon Gerrans, Matthew Lloyd and Stuart O'Grady will form the five-man road squad with Rogers and Evans.
Adam Hansen was to be Evans replacement for the road race. He told Cyclingnews, "I'm going home for a nice break, no bike for a week. The Olympics? Maybe next year... well, in four years!"
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