Could Australia host a Grand Tour stage? Evans weighs in

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 04:31 · Archive

Cadel Evans, cycling's only Australian Tour de France winner, says hosting a Grand Tour stage in Australia is possible but faces logistical challenges.

Cadel Evans, the 2011 Tour de France champion and only Australian to win cycling's most famous event, has weighed in on the possibility of Australia hosting a Grand Tour stage. Speaking on Monday, Evans said it would be possible but faced significant logistical challenges. He cited the 'tyranny of distance' as a major concern, saying he would not want to ride in such an event himself.

Grand Tours—the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana—regularly start with stages outside their home countries. Next year, the Tour's opening stages will be held in Scotland, England and Wales. However, bringing a Grand Tour to Australia would be unprecedented. Evans noted that even the recent NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and LA Rams at the MCG involved massive logistical challenges, and those teams did not have to compete again for several days.

There was speculation last summer that the Western Australian government was exploring the possibility with Giro organisers. While Evans is open to the idea, a Grand Tour start in Australia remains unlikely. Meanwhile, cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar may return to race in Australia, with Tour Down Under race director Stuart O'Grady having pursued the rider for several years.

How it is being reported

• 'Tyranny of distance' weighs against big cycling callCadel Evans is glad that if one of cycling's Grand Tours takes the big step of coming to Australia, he won't have to deal with it as a rider.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 04:03
• 'Tyranny of distance' weighs against big cycling callCadel Evans is glad that if one of cycling's Grand Tours takes the big step of coming to Australia, he won't have to deal with it as a rider.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 04:02

In this story: Cadel Evans · Tadej Pogacar · Stuart O'Grady · Australia · Tour de France · Tour Down Under

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