Cadel Evans won the Australian Cyclist of the Year Award for the fourth time
Winner of Tour de France 2011, Cadel Evans, won the Australian Cyclist of the Year Award after his splendid performance throughout the year. It is the fourth time that Evans has been honoured with the title, previously winning it in 2006-07 and 2009.
Evans finished 1 minute and 34 seconds ahead of Andy Schleck after the final General Classifications, as Andy finished second. Frank Schleck secured the third position and was further one minute behind his younger brother.
The 34-year-old, Cadel Evans, is the oldest rider to have won the Tour de France since the Second World War. It was only his all round performance at the French Grand tour that helped him secure the victory.
Matthew Goss was the second name in consideration for the award. Especially after his remarkable performance at the Milan-San Remo 2011, he was amongst the favourites to win the title. Goss secured the 17th overall position at the UCI Individual
rankings as of October 2011.
Australian Cycling had a wonderful year as Evans and Goss were not the only two contenders for the Australian Cyclist of the year award.
Jack Bobridge was also amongst the nominations after his record breaking performance during the 4 km individual pursuit.
The CEO of Cycling Australia, Graham Fredericks, commented on the tremendous performance by the Australian cyclists through the 2011 year. He said, “2011 has been a phenomenal year across all ages and disciplines”.
He continued, “ The 'Cyclones' claimed 35 world titles and they weren't topping medal tables at world championships they were on podiums at World Cups and international calendar events from the boards to the bitumen and onto the dirt”.
Evans was ranked second in the UCI Individual rankings, with a total number of 574 points. Philippe Gilbert secured the first position with 698 points to his credit. Both Gilbert and Evans will ride for BMC Racing Team in the coming season.
It has been decided that Evans will have a go at the Tour de France 2012 while Philippe will target the Classics in the coming season.
Cadel is amongst the favourites to win the Tour this year, as there will be over 100 kilometres of time trialling in the coming edition of the race.
Only time will tell if the Australian can repeat his outstanding performance and aim for the Australian Cyclist of the Year Award for the fifth time in 2012.
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