Evans' switch to BMC leaves Tour hopes in the balance
By Julien Pretot
PARIS (Reuters) - Cadel Evans abandoned Silence Lotto to join BMC Racing Team in a bid to strengthen his claim for a maiden Tour de France victory, but the wheels could fall off the twice runner-up's challenge before the race even starts.
Although the Australian world road race champion joined a group of experienced and talented riders, the American team's participation in the 2010 Tour de France remains uncertain.
BMC are a Continental team (second division) while elite ProTour outfits are race organiser ASO's top priorities when they draw their list of invitees for the Tour.
However, BMC hope the signing of Evans to a three-year contract, former world champion Alessandro Ballan and former Lance Armstrong lieutenant George Hincapie will be enough to prompt ASO to invite them.
"We have a plan to go to the biggest races, including the Grand Tours. That includes the Tour de France. This will be possible since our sporting level has greatly improved in standard," BMC manager John Lelangue told reporters.
Sixteen teams are already contracted to participate in next year's tour, while 20 usually start with a further two allowed if the maximum number is reached.
Four teams - Sky, Armstrong's RadioShack, Garmin and Katusha -- will be at the prologue in Rotterdam next July thanks to their ProTour status and because they have already proven they can compete in a three-week event.
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