Cadel Evans' advice to Jai Hindley as he tackles Tour de France for the first time: “Take it as a test, as, ‘With these legs I had at the Giro, what can I do with that at the Tour?’"

Cadel Evans knows exactly what it takes to win a Tour de France, doing so back in 2011. This year, it's a different Australian, Jai Hindley who is expected to be in the mix for the Maillot Jaune and Evans has given his compatriot some advice.

“I think for him it’s important to go to the Tour not with an expectation of getting a certain result,” Evans explains to Australian outlet, WA Today. “Take it as a test, as, ‘With these legs I had at the Giro, what can I do with that at the Tour?’"

Hindley has impressed in Grand Tours throughout his career so far. Including the aforementioned Giro d'Italia victory in 2022, Hindley was runner-up the year before and has a top 10 finish at the Vuelta a Espana to his name from 2022.

“The depth of the level of the Tour is what really makes it so hard and that takes a little bit of getting used to," continues Evans. "Hence why I think, for Jai, go in, see what he can do and take it from there, rather than go with an expectation, maybe not get anywhere near that and then therefore an otherwise good race may become a negative experience.”

Hindley himself has spoken of how excited he is finally be getting his crack at the Tour de France. “It’s still a bit surreal. It’s always been a childhood dream of mine to go to the Tour and race there,” said the 27-year-old. “It’s a lot of work. Blood, sweat and tears has gone into just making the team, so super excited. It’s a massive opportunity. A lot of trust and faith put into me by the team, which I also appreciate. I’ve done everything I can to be in as best shape as possible come July.”