Cadel Evans of Australia has said that he believes a victory is within his power this July.
?Two years ago I was not sure if I could win the Tour. Now all the indications are that I can.? he commented on Wednesday.
?Whatever happens, my team are ready to win, even though we don?t plan to lead the race from start to finish. We?re not like Discovery or US Postal were or maybe Rabobank last year."
"We?ve worked little by little, and we?ve created a great team for the Tour.?
Coincidentally or not, Evans most direct comments to date about his capacity to win the Tour came just hours after the Dauphine Libere's stage three time trial, where he placed third behind Tour contender Alejandro Valverde. "He's improved a lot." Evans commented.
The Australian's team said Evans had recovered well from a case of tendinitis in his left knee that had troubled him during recent traning.
?No Astana means that a lot of teams and riders think they have the chance of a lifetime to win.? added Sergeant, who confirmed that Robbie McEwen remains amongst Silence-Lotto's long list for the Tour, which also includes Yaroslav Popovych, Mario Aerts, Christophe Brandt, Dario Cioni, Leif Hoste and Johan Van Summeren.
?Cadel may not have the strongest team, but he?s certainly the strongest rider for the Tour." Sergeant concluded. "His biggest strength? His consistency. He's always there."
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