Second Edition News for May 9, 1997

Aussie Evans rides to mountain peak

Australian cyclist Cadel Evans has taken the mountain bike world by storm, soaring to first spot in both the World Cup and the concurrent international rankings.

After starting the year looking to make more "baby steps" in his bid to take on the most hardened and experienced professionals, 20-year-old Evans is suddenly the name they are all chasing.

And he is now rated a top gold medal hope for the Olympic Games mountain bike cross-country title at Sydney 2000, and having the pressure of being No.1 doesn't worry him.

"I find that being ranked No.1 in the world actually relieves the pressure from me," said the Victorian who placed ninth in last year's Olympic Games mountain bike race.

"I always put pressure on myself to improve. Now I have got to where I am, it proves to me that I can do it, which takes a lot of doubt out of my mind."

Evans rocketed to No.1 on the Union Cycliste Internationale standings on April 27, and was one of only three under-23 riders to make the top 30.

His rise is due to a string of top results, particularly in the 10-race World Cup which he also leads by 15 points over defending champion Christophe Dupouey of France after four rounds.

Evans began his World Cup campaign with a sixth at Napa Valley, California. He then won round two at Wellington, New Zealand, on April 13, and followed with seconds in round three at St Wendel, Germany, on April 27 and round four at Budapest, Hungary, last Sunday.

While everyone applauded his win at Wellington, many felt Evans' second places in Germany and Hungary were more significant as they were against tougher fields and at the end of a gruelling four-week racing spell.

However, Evans, who also won the Australian title at Thredbo in between rounds two and three, places his victory at Wellington above them.

At Wellington he defeated Dupouey and reigning world champion Gerome Chiotti of France.

"The field in New Zealand was by no means thin. I rode away from the defending World Cup champion and current world champion. You don't do that by fluke, especially when they are French," Evans said.

"At the same time, my result in Germany did surprise me. The week before I had won the Australian championship and flown halfway across the world, which would normally have taken a lot out of me."

Under the watchful eye of AIS national mountain bike coach Damian Grundy, Evans is a member of the American Diamondback team.

"I have bonuses with my current contract which expires at the end of the year. Along with my results, this is causing a lot of interest. It also helps that Australia has the next Olympic Games," said Evans, who also has the under-23 world championship, to be held in Switzerland in September, targeted as one of his season goals.