Evans Still Doubtful For Time Trial

The Age

Thursday August 7, 2008

By Samantha Lane and Rupert Guinness, Beijing

AUSTRALIAN Cadel Evans arrived in Beijing yesterday and admitted that there were still serious doubts about whether he would ride in the Olympic time trial next Wednesday - an event that he would have entered as favourite had he not been injured in post-Tour de France celebrations.

Evans, who will headline a world-class team in the road race on Saturday after his second-place finish in the Tour de France, said: "60-40 no for the time trial at this stage. We'll see how the road race goes."

There was no sign of the "Free Tibet" t-shirt he had specially made, and wore, during races this year including the Tour de France; Evans emerged from customs looking every bit the professional cycling megastar he is, with dark sunglasses covering his increasingly recognised visage.

But his views on one of the most sensitive political issues in the Olympic host country were well known by the awaiting press gang. And Evans, now obviously adjusting the boldness of his statements according to his new environment, said just enough without saying very much at all.

"Had the Australian Olympic Committee spoken to him about his thoughts on the Tibet issue and, more pertinently, how he intended to broach them while in China?" one member of the awaiting press gang inquired.

"Not personally," Evans replied after landing around 8.15am local time, "but I'm here to ride my race and play my role as part of the Australian Olympic team, not to upset anyone. But of course, yes, I have my opinions."

When, if at all, did he think it might be appropriate to express those beliefs during his stay in Beijing?

"Ummm, probably when I leave," Evans said.

© 2008 The Age

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