Cadel Evans in contention for the Tour de France overall classifications
Cadel Evans is currently giving his best to ensure he stays amongst the top five contenders after the stage 11 classifications.
The cyclist is marking his eighth appearance at the French race after his tremendous performance during the past edition of the event.
He managed to secure the top overall position during the Tour de France 2011 and restricted Andy Schleck and Frank Schleck at the second and the third positions respectively.
Cadel marked his debut at the French race in 2005 and occupied the eighth overall position at the race and improved his performance in the later editions of the race.
He finished fourth in 2006 and achieved the second overall position at the 2007 and the 2009 versions of the Tour.
The 35-year-old had a slow start to his 2012 season but picked up the right pace just ahead of the Tour de France.
Evans bagged an overall victory at the Criterium International 2012 along with a third overall spot during the Criterium du Dauphine.
He also bagged the point’s classifications and a stage each at both the mentioned events and boosted his confidence for the French Grand Tour.
The Australian held the second overall spot till the stage 10 of the race with a deficit of 1 minute and 53 seconds on the race leader.
"We had to test ourselves to see if we could either launch an attack or hold it or do it again," Team Sky manager Jim Ochowicz briefed to Cyclingnews.
"If we hadn't done that I think we'd be going into the Pyrenees thinking what do we do next? It was a strategy, it didn't work, and we tried. In the end, our strategy didn't work. We've got no bragging rights but we made an effort that needed to be done".
Bradley Wiggins of Team Sky Procycling leads the overall classifications and is looking a strong contender to walk home with an overall victory at the race.
Cadel finished 11th during the 148 kilometre stage 11 of the Tour and dropped down to the fourth overall spot after the stage 11.
Bradley Wiggins is as strong as a rock at the first position whereas, Christopher Froome and Vincenzo Nibali have now taken the charge of the second and the third slots.
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