Cadel Evans saves himself for the Tour de France 2012
Disappointment for Cadel Evans continues after the Australian failed to finish the first race of the Ardennes Classics. He started the 260.4 kilometre Amstel Gold Race on April 15, but could not perform to his best at the event.
Enrico Gasparotto of Team Astana rode brilliantly and overcame the race favourites. He finished the race in the fastest time of 6 hours, 32 minutes and 35 seconds.
Jelle Vanendert of Team Lotto Belisol finished at the same time and achieved the second position.
Peter Sagan, Oscar Freire, Thomas Voeckler, Philippe Gilbert and Samuel Sanchez finished two seconds behind and secured the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh positions.
The cyclist is having a tough season with only two victories to his credit so far. His succeeded during the 2nd stage of the Criterium International and also achieved the overall victory at the Criterium International 2012.
The cyclist has now revealed that he will not participate in the remaining two races at the Ardennes Classics, La Fleche-Wallonne and the Liege-Bastogne-Liege.
Evans succeeded during the previous version of the race and it was believed that he will be seen in action at the coming races.
The management has now decided to rest the 2011 Tour de France winner after seeing his withdrawal from the Amstel Gold Race.
Team’s Chief Medical Officer Max Testa noted, "Cadel has the Tour of Romandie coming in one week and with this infection, we don't want to take any risks".
"The weather won't be helpful - it's going to be rainy and cold here - so it was probably the best decision we could make in the interest of the health of the rider".
Evans biggest goal of the current season is the Tour de France 2012. He claimed the top overall position during the recent version of the race after his splendid performance continuously for three consecutive weeks.
The 99th version of the French Grand Tour is scheduled from June 30 to July 22. The event will kick off in Liege, Belgium, and will conclude in Paris.
Cyclists will go through a gruelling distance of 3,484.1 kilometre during the coming edition of the race.
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