Aussie sporting legend Cadel Evans marries long-time partner in stunning ceremony

An Australian sporting great has married their long-term partner in a gorgeous ceremony on the island paradise of Mauritius.

Australian sporting legend Cadel Evans has married his long-term partner Stefania Zandonella in a stunning ceremony in the island paradise of Mauritius.

The 47-year-old Evans pulled off one of the great achievements in Australian sporting history when he won the gruelling Tour de France back in 2011.

Evans also won the 2009 road race at the UCI World Championships and is one of the greatest cyclists in Australia’s history.

Evans, who retired in 2015, has been in a long-term relationship with Italian Zandonella.

Some pre and post-wedding shots in Mauritius. Photos: Instagram

Having celebrated their ninth anniversary on May 13 this year, the duo has now tied the knot in a small, gorgeous ceremony in Mauritius.

Zandonella, a former professional skier and ski instructor, is from the Dolomites in Italy, while her mother is from Mauritius.

Zandonella posted a series of photos and stories to Instagram to celebrate the moment, although it appears the couple has kept the news quiet until now.

On a post published on Wednesday with a stunning photo of the two kissing on a small pier, Zandonella wrote “Mr and Mrs Evans”, a series of emojis and the date, 01.06.24.

Zandonella with her father and the whole family together. Photos: Instagram

The couple enjoying the idyllic location. Photos: Instagram

Zandonella wore a stunning low-cut gown, complete with a long, flowing veil, with her father walking her down the aisle for a beach ceremony under a marquee.

Evans wore a light blue suit, with an open neck white shirt and corsage. He completed the relaxed beach vibe by going bare foot.

The couple have two boys, Aidan and Blake, who wore matching light blue shirts with beige pants and bare feet just like their famous dad.

From 2005 through 2015, Evans was married to Chiara Passerini.

They have an adopted son together, Rebel, who was also part of the bridal party in Mauritius.

Evans celebrating his stunning win at the 2011 Tour de France. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Corbis via Getty Images)

Zandonella walked down the aisle to the classic John Legend love song, All of Me.

The photo of the duo kissing drew plenty of congratulatory comments in both English and Italian.

“So divine️. Simply bellissimo bella congratulations Mr and Mrs E,” was one comment.

“Absolutely beautiful photo. Once again, congratulations,” wrote another.

“Congratulations you two — you looked stunning and so does Mauritius,” added a third.

Zandonella posted a number of photos of the wedding and the holiday in Mauritius, including a day out on a boat and a photo with her bridesmaid’s with the Italian caption “che ti ridi?” which translates to “what are you laughing at?”.

Evans, who was inducted to the Australian Sport Hall of Fame in 2020, was born in Katherine in the Northern Territory.

He is a four-time Olympian and also claimed gold and silver medals at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.