Cadel Evans wins the 2011 Tour de France

In a historic event for Australian sport, Cadel Evans is finally the king of the cycling world after winning the 2011 Tour de France with a stunning overtake of the Schleck brothers on Stage 20. After suffering mechanical problems the previous day, Evans recovered from a two minute deficit to take down his rival in Andy Schleck with a huge climb before a dominant ride in the individual time trial.

Evans becomes the first Australian ever to win the Tour de France, and his victory certainly ranks as one of the most monumental in Australian sporting history along with feats such as the 1983 America's Cup win. Evans narrowly finished second in the stage behind perennial time-trialler Tony Martin of Germany.

Emotions were high after the completion of Evans' race, with the usually composed cyclist breaking down in tears amongst the massive crowd of media which surrounded the area. In the traditional gentlemen's agreement, the last day of the Tour sees the standings stay as they are as no man tries to overtake the leader.

"It was he who believed in me," Evans spoke of his late coach Aldo Sassi in his first post-race interview. The Australian rider seemed lost for words at times, understandably overwhelmed by the awe of this inspiring achievement. "Follow the plan (and) do the best we can," Evans said referring to his plan of attack in 2011 which differed slightly to his previous failed attempts.