Cadel was glad to see the end of the 2012 season. With its scandals and health problems, it had not been a good year. He returned to Australia for Christmas to enjoy a summer by the beach and some time off with his family.
Cadel also made a few public appearances over the summer. In December, he joined in a Christmas event in Melbourne’s Federation Square. Along with nearly five hundred others, Cadel attempted to break the world record for the most number of Christmas lights powered by cyclists. Cadel hoped the stunt would encourage all Australians to use less energy.
Cadel is passionate about environmental issues as well as about Tibet. One of the things he loves about cycling is being outside in nature. His career has taken him to some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. If his well-known face can help protect the environment, then Cadel wants to be involved.
But of course, cycling is never far from Cadel’s thoughts.
Cadel’s future will be full of unknowns.
No matter, it won’t change the way the world sees Cadel Evans. Even if he never places in another race, Cadel will always be the first Australian to win the Tour de France. Anyone who knows his story will admire him for the way he clung to his dream for so many tough, painful years.
Then there’s the fact that Cadel is so far the only rider to have worn all five of cycling’s most important jerseys. These are the World Championships’ rainbow stripes, the leader’s jersey in all three Grand Tours and the ProTour leader’s white jersey. Despite all this, Cadel remains the softly spoken, humble guy he’s always been.
Without a doubt, Cadel’s extraordinary physical gifts have been a massive part of his big wins. But Cadel’s awesome natural ability is not the only factor in his success. To reach the top of his sport Cadel also needed an incredible capacity to work hard. Most people would find all that training and racing too tiring, too painful or simply too boring. But not Cadel. Even when it hurt beyond belief, Cadel pushed on through the pain. His dedication has never wavered, not for a single day. When he fell, he got back up and tried again. He hung in there until finally he made his dream come true.
Cadel’s talent and drive are remarkable and inspiring, but there’s something even more special about him. Cadel has a real emotional connection with riding a bike. He often speaks about the feeling this simple act gives him.
The rushing of the wind as he speeds along, the road ahead snaking up and down the mountains. On a good day, riding a bike is as magical as flying.
That is the real secret of Cadel’s success. He is dedicated and dogged. He’s talented yet humble too. But the crucial thing is how much he loves to ride. Powering up mountains and flying along straights might look impossible to most of us. For Cadel, he is just giving his best to what he loves most.