Cadel Evans peaking at the right time ahead of Tour de France

CADEL Evans believes his low-key preparation will be vital to a successful Tour de France title defence next week.

Cadel Evans

UNDAUNTED by the prospect of carrying the Tour de France's No.1 saddlecloth, Cadel Evans believes his low-key preparation will be vital to a successful title defence next week.

Illness and a deliberately late start has compromised his racing plans, but the Evans senses he is peaking at the right time ahead of next Saturday's start to the 99th Tour.

Evans has been overshadowed by Team Sky's race favourite Bradley Wiggins, who has cut a swath through almost every lead-up race he has contested.

Typically, the flinty Victorian has been content to sit in the shadows.

"The main thing for most riders is just getting to a good level, a level you know you need to be at to race - avoiding injuries, health issues and so on," Evans said.

"It's been a good progression for me into the Tour and, in some ways, not having some race results, it keeps people's attention away from me.

"That also helps make life a little bit easier."

 Asked about the defending champion's No.1 saddlecloth, Evans revealed he intends to trade on its aura.
"Hopefully it's a psychological advantage towards the others," he said.

 Evans is confident he has sufficient support to counter Team Sky's looming threat.

The Australian is impressed by British star Wiggins' stunning season - and the depth of Sky's squad.

Asked his thoughts on the 2012 course, Evans said: "The only thing that has changed (since the course was announced) mainly has been the level that Team Sky have come to," he said.

"They seem to have a team where they will be able to control (in the) mountains ... obviously for Brad Wiggins, they will look to control as much as they can."

Wiggins has won the Paris-Nice, Tour de Romandie and Criterium du Dauphine, thriving off the envied support of men such as Richie Porte and Michael Rogers.

Wiggins will have six of the riders who helped him at Dauphine, while Evans returns to the Tour with five of his 2011 lieutenants.

As with last season's triumph, Evans will attempt to control the race on his terms - this time without the challenges of Alberto Contador (suspended) and Andy Schleck (injured).

The Tour starts with a 6.1km prologue in Liege, Belgium, on June 30, followed by 20 stages, including five in the mountains and two time trials.