Cadel Lee Evans secured his place in sporting history by becoming the first Australian rider to win the Tour de France in 2011. A versatile athlete who mastered both mountain biking and road racing, he transitioned from high-altitude cross-country dominance to international prominence on the road, ultimately achieving a victory that cemented his status among the sport's elite participants.
Early Development
Born in 1977 in Katherine, Northern Territory, Evans attended Newling Public School and later Eltham High School in Victoria. His physiological capacity for oxygen absorption, noted during his tenure at the Australian Institute of Sport, earned him the nickname The Lung. He initially gained recognition as a mountain biker, securing the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup overall trophy in 1998 and 1999.
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Following a successful mountain biking career that included appearances at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, Evans transitioned to road racing. He joined the Saeco team in 2001 and subsequently rode for Mapei–Quick-Step and the T-Mobile Team. Under the guidance of coach Aldo Sassi, he adapted his skillset to grand tour requirements, securing wins in the Tour of Austria in 2001 and 2004.
The 2011 Tour de France Victory
Riding for the BMC Racing Team in 2011, Evans claimed the yellow jersey during the race's penultimate day. His performance in a 42.5-kilometre individual time trial proved decisive, allowing him to finish over two minutes ahead of rivals Andy and Fränk Schleck. At 34, he became one of the five oldest winners in the history of the event.
Honours and Retirement
Throughout his career, Evans received multiple accolades, including the Sir Hubert Opperman Trophy and Medal in 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2011. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2013 and earned the Australian Sports Medal. He officially retired from professional cycling on 1 February 2015.
Fast facts
- Born: 1977, Katherine
- Citizenship: Australia
- Major Win: 2011 Tour de France
- Olympic Appearances: 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012
- First Professional Team: Saeco
- Awards: Member of the Order of Australia (2013)
- Retirement Date: 1 February 2015
- Education: Eltham High School
Questions readers ask
What specific years did Cadel Evans win the Tour de France?
He won the Tour de France in 2011.
How many times did Cadel Evans compete in the Olympic Games?
Evans competed in four Olympic Games: 1996, 2000, 2008, and 2012.
Achievements
- Sir Hubert Opperman Trophy & Medal
- Australian Sports Medal
- Member of the Order of Australia
- Competed at the 2000 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 1996 Summer Olympics
