MARTIGNY, Switzerland, July 21, 2009 (AFP) – Australia’s Cadel Evans confirmed Tuesday he is set to compete in next month’s Tour of Spain in preparation for the world road race championships on September 27.

Evans, who is 14th overall in the Tour de France general classification before Tuesday’s 16th stage, said the Spanish race is the perfect preparation for the world championships course in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

“I know the course for the world championships, it’s a lot more difficult than the one last year in Varese (in Italy),” said the Silence-Lotto leader who has finished as runner-up for the last two years of the Tour de France.

“The Vuelta (Tour of Spain) is the best preparation for this objective at the end of the season.”

The Vuelta takes place from August 29 to September 20.