Cycling: Evans rapt to land spot as pro

Otago cyclist Brad Evans: ‘‘It’s every young rider’s dream to go pro... so to actually get it is very big.’’ Photo by Gerard O'Brien.
Otago cyclist Brad Evans: ‘‘It’s every young rider’s dream to go pro... so to actually get it is very big.’’ Photo by Gerard O'Brien.
Otago cyclist Brad Evans has spent the past 12 months pursuing a professional contract and has been rewarded with a place in the Drapac Professional Cycling team.

The 23-year-old impressed while riding for Drapac development team Pat's Veg last year. He had some very good results across the Tasman, but it was his gutsy win in the Tour of Southland in November which signalled he was ready for the step up.

‘‘It's every young rider's dream to go pro ... so to actually get it is very big,'' Evans said in an email response.

‘‘There is no real pathway to go professional - no job interviews. You just have to get results and prove yourself worthy.

‘‘I am very proud and happy to achieve my goal.''

Evans signed a two-year deal in March, but not before he had a thorough medical assessment, including heart scans and blood tests. He also met team officials for fitness and performance evaluations.

He was formally eligible to race from April 1 but had to keep the exciting news quiet until he got the nod from his new employers.

‘‘It's a big milestone in my career. I have been chasing a contract seriously for the last 12 months.

‘‘Before that I was focused on the track and road - splitting my time between the two. Focusing just on road has reaped the rewards.

‘‘The wins in Australia, including the Tour of Tasmania, and then the Tour of Southland have opened the door to the contract.

‘‘It means a lot for me and the people that have supported me, especially mum and dad. My dad [Wayne], in particular, has been there since the start, taking me all over the country where I learnt the ropes.''

Last month Evans got engaged to his partner, Holly Todd, whom he said had also been a source of support. The Skeggs Foundation and Academy Otago programme were also important in his development.

‘‘Every little bit has helped so I am very grateful to [my supporters]. They enabled me to get this far and achieve what I set out to do.

‘‘It certainly isn't easy. It's been bloody hard to get to where I am. Now the game really starts, though.''

Evans will have a diverse role within the team. He is a very good lead-out rider, so will support the team's sprinters. But he proved he can climb during the Tour of Southland and will be expected to dig in when the terrain gets hilly, as well.

Evans is riding in the Tour de Azerbaijan at the moment and the next stop is Iran. He will then travel to Belgium, where the team is based, before competing in races in Spain, France, Norway and the Netherlands.

He will also race in the Tour of Korea in June. Evans will return to New Zealand in mid-September for a month before rejoining the team for one last race to finish off the season.

The rookie has modest goals. He is anticipating a tough start, but believes his best opportunity of success will be in Korea and the French tours he will race in August.

‘‘Other than that, I will be riding as hard as I can in support of my team-mates to help them win or podium.''

Drapac is full of Australian riders but another New Zealander - Tom Scully - and two Dutchmen and an American are on the roster.

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