Tour de France champion Cadel Evans arrived back in Australia on Thursday for a victory parade after spending “the best part of his life” working for the historic cycling victory. The 34-year-old fulfilled his lifelong quest by securing the title last month, three decades after pioneering compatriot Phil Anderson paved the way for Australians by becoming the first non-European to wear the yellow jersey.
Evans’ win, the first by an Australian, was hailed here as one of the country’s finest ever sporting achievements, ranking alongside Rod Laver’s tennis exploits and their America’s Cup yachting triumph. “It’s always nice to come home and get a hug from your mum,” said Evans on arrival at Melbourne airport.