PARIS, Dec 10, 2008 (AFP) – Australian cycling ace Cadel Evans is set to
take on seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong in the Giro
d’Italia next year it was announced by the race organisers on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old – runner-up in the past two Tours de France – will also
face Italian stars Ivan Basso, Damiano Cunego and Danilo Di Luca in what will
see the race in its 100th year since its creation.

Evans, wore the overall leader’s pink jersey for a day during the 2002
edition and eventually finished 14th overall.

“He has the solidity and the balance required to do his best,” said his
team director Roberto Damiani.

“He will ride the Giro in the same way (Alberto) Contador did this year,
being patient, before laying down his cards in the final week.”

The race route will be unveiled on Saturday in Venice, where the race will
start on May 9.