Cadel Evans to focus on the Tour de France in 2011
Australian rider Cadel Evans has said he will not race the 2011 Giro d'Italia in order to focus on the Tour de France in July.
Evans, who recently left Omega Pharma-Lotto to join the BMC Racing Team for next season, will skip both the Tour Down Under and the Giro next season in order to save up energy for the most prestigious event in cycling.
"I’m not going to the Giro d’Italia so I can focus on being at my best for the Tour de France in July," the 33-year-old told daily newspaper
The Australian.
"The Giro next year on paper looks really tough. It’s just too difficult on my body to come out of the Giro and back up well for the Tour."
This year, Evans' Tour was marred by the elbow fracture he sustained during the eighth stage of the race.
But aside from the injury, the veteran admitted to suffering from fatigue after exhausting his energy at the Giro in May, where he finished fifth overall and won the points and Azzuri d'Italia classifications, the latter awarded to the top three stage finishers.
"My main focus for the year ahead will be the Tour de France. My whole season will be geared to that. In the past I’ve gotten to the Tour tired. I’ll spend January and February training and not start racing until the Tirreno-Adriatico in March."
Pleased with Tim Roe's arrival
Last year's world champion, who failed to defend his title in September when Thor Hushovd won the title on Evans' home turf, added that he was excited to see youngster Tim Roe, another Australian, join BMC for 2011.
"I think it's going to be interesting and fun working together and from what I understand Tim Roe is focused and receptive to advice."
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