BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhuanet) -- Australian cyclist Cadel Evans made history in Europe on Sunday. He became the first from his nation to win the Tour de France on Sunday. Evans successfully negotiated the 21st stage and the last 95-kilometre ride to finish line in Paris.
Evans took over ownership of the yellow jersey and the tour lead from Andy Schleck on Saturday's final time trial. He held a one minute 34 second lead on the final ride into central Paris. Evans enjoyed a glass of champagne to celebrate the ride.
He had won just one stage in 'Le Tour' this year. That victory was only the second of his career, but the 34-year-old made it count with a teriffic series of finishes. He was consistent on the bike and confirmed his place at the top of the General Classification early in the weekend.
Evans was content to sit safely in the peloton, protected by his team-mates. But most of the other riders in the field were determined to win the final sprint to the finish line.
The green points jersey was still up for grabs. Leader Mark Cavendish of Great Britain held a slender lead over Spain's Jose Joaquin Rojas.
The riders sped round the cobbled streets of the French capital, and Cavendish's HTC-Highroad team-mate Lars Bak tried to break away to protect the position of the team's lead sprinter, but there was no need in the end. Cavendish powered to the line and produced yet another fantastic final meter to capture his 20th Tour de France stage win. The victory puts him into a tie for sixth in the all-time standings, alongside Luxembourg's Nicolas Frantz. Cavendish covered the course in two hours, 27 minutes and two seconds.
But Evans and Australia were the day's biggest winners. The BMC rider was surrounded by team-mates and photographers at the finish line.
Evans became the first 'Aussie' to win the biggest prize in cycling. It was Evans' first win in a 'grand tour' event. He'd narrowly missed the title two times before.
Cavendish seemed just as happy with his stage win. He confirmed the green jersey title and celebrated as the first Briton to do it.
Evans was joined on the tour's final podium by the Schleck brothers, Andy and Frank. They finished second and third in the General Classification, with Andy runner-up for the third year in a row.
Cadel Evans said, "It's a wonderful conclusion to the race. It's been a lot of hard work but right now, everything is great."
(Source: CNTV.cn)
