Evans’ team BMC Racing yesterday gave him the green light to contest the championship event.

He has not ridden in the nationals since 2005.

A Cycling Australia spokesperson said the 2011 Tour de France hero has been in training.

“Cadel has been training in Kinglake on his own for the past few days, in preparation for his anticipated attendance in Sunday’s race,” he said. 

Only something unforeseen in the next four days could stop him getting to the starting line.

Evans entered the championships late last month, when his manager Jason Bakker said a final decision on a start 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 told The Courier in December.

“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.”

While Evans is still to be officially confirmed as a starter, this latest news is a further boost to his chances of lining up in the country’s premier road race event.

Evans has committed to riding in the Tour Down Under in South Australia as part of his preparation for the Giro d’Italia, rather than the Tour de France.

with AAP

david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au

tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au