Cape Epic organisers announced today that former Tour de France winner Cadel Evans will ride the 2017 event, which will take place from March 19 to 26.
Evans will partner with 17-time Tour de France finisher George Hincapie for an assault on the masters’ category.
“Ever since I first heard about the Cape Epic, I have wanted to try it. But they tell me it’s very hard,” said the 2011 Tour champion.
Cadel Evans (yellow) and George Hincapie (far left) in action in the 2011 Tour de France. Photo: Supplied
Evans started his career as a mountain biker and won the World Cup in 1998 and 1999. He turned to road racing after placing seventh in the cross-country race at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
“I am a racer, but we are competing against far more experienced riders so we have to be realistic.
“If George and I can put up with each other, and race hard without any major mishaps, that will be good.”
During Hincapie’s 19-year pro career he was regarded as the premier American classics rider of his generation.
He competed in a record 17 Ronde van Vlaanderen races and finished second in Paris-Roubaix – the best ever by an American.
Hincapie also won the US national road race championships three times.
