Seventh in yesterday’s prologue, Cadel Evans has jumped up four places in the general classification of the Critérium du Dauphiné after a strong peformance in the first mountain stage. The Australian BMC Racing Team rider placed third on the final climb to the line at Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, finishing seven seconds behind Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Omega Pharma-Lotto). He is now the same margin behind new overall leader Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana).
Explaining the tactics in the final, Evans said that the difficult start to the final climb saw the front group thinned out and the GC contenders left isolated without their team-mates. Van Den Broeck then attacked, making the most of some indecision. “As the GC contenders concentrated on controlling each other, Voeckler joined him briefly but saw our group closing and sat up,” he explained. “Jurgen moved again and held us off until the line. Tactically and physically, a good (winning) move.”
Evans is primarily concerned about being in top shape for the Tour de France, but could end up taking the overall victory if the days ahead go well. He believes that a big fight it in store for the final yellow jersey. “I am guessing it [today] will be the first of a few 'harder than expected' stages for us this week. Tomorrow looks a bit calmer on paper but the final kilometre will put everyone in difficulty.”
He’s clear on who he expects to be fighting for the win. “It looks like a good one for Boasson Hagen to me..” he predicts.
For Evans, tomorrow’s goal will be to stay out of trouble and then get ready for Wednesday’s time trial at Grenoble. He’ll be one of the hotly-tipped riders, and could well take over the race lead there.