Cadel Evans AM conjured one of Australia’s greatest sporting achievements after claiming the yellow jersey in the final stage of the Tour de France. Starting the day trailing Andy Schleck by 57 seconds, the Australian produced a masterful performance in the 42.5km time trial to seize a 1min 34sec advantage.

Evans rode down the Champs Elysees with the yellow jersey on his back, knowing he had reached the summit of cycling’s Mt Everest. The Australian poured praise on his coach Aldo Sassi, saying it was the Italian who inspired him to go on and create a defining moment in Australian sporting history. The weight of the achievement must be considered up there with the nation’s finest sporting moments. Australian cycling has changed forever.