What is one of the most impressive Criterium International line-ups in recent memory will be further boosted by the participation of world road race champion Cadel Evans. The Australian will join his BMC Racing team-mates for the three stage test on the island of Corsica, and will use the race to continue building form after taking third overall in Tirreno-Adriatico.
“The big day will be the mountain stage on Saturday,” said directeur sportif John Lelangue. “It has two nice climbs, plus the one to the finish. I think everyone wants to test themselves on those kinds of top climbs because there aren’t many opportunities like this before the Giro d’Italia.
“You can understand why we are going there with Cadel and why Alberto Contrador changed his plans to be there, as well as Lance Armstrong.”
The two day race has had a change in location this year. Its move to Corsica is seen as a trial for a possible Tour de France start there in 2013, in what would be the 100th edition of the event.
BMC Racing is, like Armstrong’s RadioShack team, reliant on a wildcard invite to get into this year’s Tour de France. Both it and the Criterium International are run by the same company, ASO, and a good showing in Corsica should boost the chances of teams being given the nod.
Evans will be joined by Chad Beyer, Mathias Frank, Thomas Frei, Jeff Louder, Steve Morabito, Mauro Santambrogio and Florian Stalder. On recent form, he should be considered as one of the favourites for the race.
It opens with a 175.5 mountainous road race on Saturday. Two stages then follow on Sunday. The first is a 75.5 km road race, then the final general classification will be determined in a 7.7 km time trial.
Contador’s decision to change his programme and race there has ensured a high level of interest in the race. It will mean he has a direct head-to-head with his big rival Armstrong, the first time they have met competitively since a bitter 2009 Tour de France.