ROBERT MILLAR, THE only Anglophone cyclist to capture the Tour de France’s polkadot jersey, has written a feature for Cycling News pinpointing the key areas in which Cadel Evans trumped the Schleck brothers at this year’s Tour de France.

Leopard Trek can look on their two podium places as a victory in and of itself, of course, but with two strong GC riders and a team hand-picked to offset its leaders’ weaknesses, all signs pointed to a Tour victory. Instead they found themselves consistently outmanoeuvred by a wily Cadel Evans and, on paper at least, a weaker BMC team.

So, how exactly did Evans manage to gain the upper hand?

1. He acted like a the favourite.

“A big part of peloton etiquette is establishing your right to be at the front of the bunch, earning respect so the others know that’s where they’ll find you and you won’t be giving up that place easily. BMC put their man in that position from the off and kept him there continuously.”

2. Aggressive riding.

“Evans showed that he was ready to fight all day every day and he showed he was strong and not afraid to commit himself. The Schleck brothers didn’t quite come across as being willing to race every situation. They always seemed to be defending even when they were in front of Evans.”

3. Skillz

“Cadel [in contrast to the Schlecks] has no problems downhill or going around wet corners, and he looks like he’s done the hours on his TT bike as he looks much more comfortable, being aerodynamic and strong.”

4. Tactics

“Andy Schleck’s epic attack to win on the Galibier was probably the most dramatic part of this year’s GC battle. Definitely an historic moment but for all the glory it wasn’t enough to win him the overall race. Why? Because Andy and Fränk Schleck needed to put Evans under that kind of pressure whenever they had the chance.”

For more information read this story at Cycling News>

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