Evans finishes second at Dauphine Libere
Australian cyclist Cadel Evans claimed second overally in the Dauphine Libere overnight, a traditional warm-up event for the Tour de France in three weeks' time.
Spain's Alejandro Valverde won the event finishing 39 seconds ahead of Evans, following the 128-kilometre seventh and final stage from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Grenoble.
Australia's Michael Rogers came in at 11th place, five minutes and 33 seconds off the pace.
Dauphine Libere is Valverde's first success in three attempts on the track.
"I have proved during the season, and particularly in the Dauphine, that I am one of the candidates for victory [in the Tour de France] or at least the podium," he said.
The Spaniard showed no sign of weakness during the week-long event, except for a slight delay in catching up to Evans when he attacked on the Toussuire climb.
- AFP