Cadel Evans adds Giro d’Italia to 2013 racing schedule
Evans says he's not racing the Giro for training, but concedes that his main goal remains the Tour
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PARIS (VN) — Australia’s Cadel Evans has added the Giro d’Italia to his schedule for the season, BMC Racing announced on Saturday.
It will be the first of two grand tours for the 36-year-old, with Evans also set to race in the Tour de France, which he won in 2011.
“”The team will put everything into the Tour de France,” Evans said in a statement published on BMC’s website. “My situation is a bit strange because there are not many riders who perform better with two grand tours than one in their legs. In my situation, with the racing I missed last year, I need and I feel comfortable with this program.”
While the Tour remains the number one objective, Evans insists that he will not be going to the Giro May 4-26 for training after illness hindered his form last year.
“Since the virus I had last year, I have had to change my approach to my work,” he said.
“I am not coming to the Giro just for training. I don’t know where I will be with my form, but for sure, I will give it everything.”
Evans last competed in the Giro in 2010, winning a stage while wearing the rainbow jersey of the world champion.
“I have always wanted to race again at the Giro, but after I raced it in 2010, I didn’t get to the Tour fresh,” he said.
“I’m not saying that the Giro and the Tour together is too much. The illness and injury I had in 2010 made it impossible to judge.”
BMC sporting director John Lelangue said this year’s Giro suits Evans and will make good preparation for the Tour.
“Three weeks of racing in what is a nice Giro for him will be the best way to prepare well and be ready for the month of July.”