TOUR de France champion Cadel Evans has registered for the Cycling Australia Road National Championships in Ballarat next month.
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While an appearance by Australia's most decorated cyclist would be a boon for the men's open road race at Buninyong on Sunday, January 12, Evans' manager Jason Bakker said the final decision was yet to be made and would hinge on his preparation.
"It's looking likely. If it's leading up to the event and he's training as well as he hopes then he'll be there," Bakker said.
"He's registered for the event to make sure that he can ride, and he wants to, but Cadel is meticulous with his preparation.
"It's a solid chance but he's got to have the final consultation with his team."
All being well, it will be Evans' first appearance at a Road Nationals since 2005. In 2011 he famously became the first Australian to win the Tour de France.
Registrations for the nationals in Ballarat on January 8-12 close on Sunday night.
In a prepared statement, Evans said the Road Nationals presented the first genuine racing opportunity of the year.
"Provided my training form continues as planned and following a final consultation with my team, I’m looking forward to lining up on Sunday morning for a solid hit out against a quality field," he said.
If he competes, Evans will face Richie Porte, Simon Gerrans as part of the Orica-GreenEDGE team, reigning champion Luke Durbridge and emerging Rohan Dennis on the gruelling Buninyong circuit.
