Cadel Evans signs 3-year deal with BMC Racing

Current world road racing champion Cadel Evans will race alongside 2008 world champ Alessandro Ballan and George Hincapie in 2010. (VIRGINIE LEFOUR/AFP/Getty Images)

The Santa Rosa, California-based BMC Racing Team today announced the signing of current World Professional Road Champion Cadel Evans to a three-year contract. The Australian was released from his Silence-Lotto squad by mutual agreement with the team on Saturday.

"Cadel brings a wealth of experience in the Grand Tours to the team," BMC Racing Team co-owner Jim Ochowicz stated.

"As I said earlier, our team will have multiple chances to measure ourselves against the greatest teams in the world. We are pleased that we will have the opportunities to send out our most successful riders, now including Cadel Evans, to tackle these challenges," Ochowicz added.

Evans commented on the move with enthusiasm. "Yes, it is true...  I have chosen to ride with the BMC Racing Team for 2010 and beyond. A small but growing team of experienced staff and riders that I see has a lot of potential, and a mentality that fits nicely with my own, both on a sporting, technical and social level.

"I look forward to working with a new team, in a new environment, towards my same goals; honouring the rainbow jersey at the highest level of the sport, and ultimately at the highest step of the Tour de France podium.

"I would like to thank the Silence-Lotto team for the opportunities they have given me. The last five years have brought some great experiences whilst working alongside some great individuals. Thank you."

Evans will join several big name riders on the team, including the previous world champion Alessandro Ballan and American George Hincapie.

"Cadel Evans heard about how our team was expanding by signing big-name riders like George Hincapie, Alessandro Ballan, Marcus Burghardt, Karsten Kroon and other strong racers, and this news immediately fired him up with the idea of riding for such a flexible, engaged and passionate team," explained BMC Bicycles owner and BMC Racing Team co-owner Andy Rihs.

Director Sportif John Lelangue countered doubts that the team would have trouble getting into the Grand Tours and other major events. "We have a plan to go to the biggest races, including the Grand Tours. That includes the Tour de France," he said. "This will be possible since our sporting level has greatly increased in standard."

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