ADELAIDE, Australia, Jan 25, 2009 (AFP) – Two-time Tour de France
runner-up Cadel Evans of Australia says the Astana team of Alberto Contador and Lance
Armstrong will be his number one threat at this year’s event.

Evans was beat to the 2007 yellow jersey by Contador, then of Discovery
Channel, and last year succumbed to another Spaniard, Carlos Sastre, in the
closing stages of the race.

The 30-year-old, considered Australia’s most successful stage racer,
admitted while he has added some firepower to his team, Astana will be tough
contenders.

“On paper at the moment, they (Astana) are the team to beat, that’s
without a doubt,” Evans told reporters at the end of the Tour Down Under.

“We’ll have a stronger team than last year, that’s not a bad start.”

But Evans said he feels confident he can launch another serious challenge
for the title in France.

“I believe so, yes, and that’s what I’m working for — it’s still a work
in progress,” he said.

“We’ll see, we’ll see — ask me at the end of July.”

Armstrong finished well at the Tour Down Under here on Sunday, his first
stage race following his decision to come out of retirement after three and
a half years.

Contador is considered the best stage racer of his generation, and last
year added the Giro d’Italia and Tour of Spain crowns to his 2007 triumph in
France.

Sastre, now at the Cervelo team, and CSC’s Andy Schleck of Luxembourg are
also seen as serious Tour de France contenders.

Evans meanwhile said he was delighted with the positive effect
Armstrong’s comeback has had on the sport in Australia.

“The interest in Lance coming here has been incredible and I’m happy,
it’s great for a sport I love,” Evans said.

“I’m always one to promote cycling whenever I can and Lance is doing a
great job of that.”

File Photo by: CorVos Pro