Having placed fifth in 2006, Australian rider Cadel Evans heads into this year's Tour de France as one of the contenders for overall victory. He said on Thursday that he was happy with his preparation for the Tour.
"So far, so good," he said at the Predictor-Lotto press conference. "Things have gone well in the run up to this. It's maybe been a bit lighter in terms of racing than last year but the only thing that matters is how things go in the next three weeks.
"As regards the main rivals, I think they will be Vinokourov, Klöden, Sastre and Valverde."
Evans has said that if he is feeling good, he will ride an aggressive race. This is a very open edition of the race and he knows that it is important to seize opportunities. "In the Tour, if you have got the legs to attack you do," he stated. "If not, you hang on until you have the legs to do it. If I have got the legs, I will attack whenever I can."
Predictor-Lotto has two protected riders at the Tour de France, and between them they cover all terrains. Triple green jersey winner Robbie McEwen is the man for the sprints, while Evans comes into the frame in the time trials and when the roads pitch upwards. He said that the two have a good relationship. "I am here to do my race and he is here to do his. When he does well, I am happy for him, and when I do well, I am sure he is happy. It works well between us."
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