Tour De France 2012: Cadel Evans Will Defend Title

Australia's Cadel Evans proved that he could actually win the Tour de France in 2011, after finishing in 30th and 26th at the 2009 and 2010 Tours respectively. The 2012 Tour will be his eighth appearace and and the 35-year-old will defend his title. 

Evans broke through in 2011 by proving he could lead his BMC Racing Team, hang with the event's top climbers and run away from those same races in time trials. This year's event will favor time trials over the mountains and that will play into Evans' hands. 

BMC has one goal at this year's Tour de France, and that is to get Evans the yellow jersey. Given his track record, there is almost no doubt he can do it.

Evans' top competition for this year's title will come from two contenders. The first is 32-year-old English rider Bradley Wiggins, whose best finish was fourth in 2009. Frank Schleck of RadioShack-Nissan finished third in 2011; with his brother Andy out this year with a fractured pelvis, he needs to carry the family's torch. 

Aside from those two guys, I'm not sure anyone in the field has the support or all-around ability to best Evans. 

After the first stage on Sunday Evans is in eighth pace, 17 seconds behind Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara. Wiggins currently holds a 10 second lead on Evans and many believe he is the favorite. 

With cycling still battling a doping scandal, having a likable, hard-working veteran like Evans win back-to-back Tours would give the sport a big boost.