BOURG-SAINT-MAURICE, France, July 21, 2009 (AFP) – Australia’s two-time runner-up Cadel Evans said Tuesday he had no chance of finishing on the Tour de France podium.

Silence rider Evans had nothing to give when Luxemburger Andy Schleck’s attack split the yellow jersey group on the 22.6km climb to the summit of the Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard on the race’s 16th stage.

Evans eventually finished the stage 3:55 down on stage winner Mikel Astarloza of Spain, and nearly three minutes behind a group containing all the big contenders including race leader Alberto Contador.

Evans, the runner-up the past two years, is now 17th overall at 7:23 behind Astana rider Contador and risks his worst ever finish on the Tour, which he has never finished lower than eighth place overall.

The 32-year-old Australian said he would now struggle to finish on the podium but mystified reporters by refusing to explain the reasons to his recent collapse on the race.

“I’m out of it. I’m out of the race. For a place on the podium at least,”
said Evans.

“Physically, everything (is) fine. But for professional reasons I can’t comment on the problems I’ve been having.”