No Ardennes classics for Cadel Evans

A quadricep injury will keep Cadel Evans from starting Sunday’s Amstel Gold Race, but the former world champion said his recovery is going well and he remains on track to focus on the Tour de France, BMC reported on Thursday.

“From a medical standpoint, he’s out of competition for at least the next five days,” Testa said in a team report. “Keeping him out longer will help the ultimate injury outcome and also give him time to get training to return on the top end.”

Evans said he’s disappointed not to be participating in the Ardennes classics.

“Normally, I thought I’d be back by now, but I had a check-up Tuesday and the injury has proven to be more of an obstacle than we first thought,” he said. “I had wanted to be a helper for Greg Van Avermaet at Amstel Gold and on a good level for Flèche Wallonne. But this won’t be a long-term problem, especially for my preparation for the Tour. It’s just a little hiccup along the way.”

Directeur Sportif John Lelangue said the BMC Racing Team’s approach for Sunday’s 260-kilometer race will not change.

“We’re still riding for Greg Van Avermaet, but we’re losing a really good guy with Cadel – first as a teammate for Amstel and also as a leader for Flèche Wallonne,” Lelangue said. Evans won Flèche Wallonne last year. Lelangue said barring any complications, Evans will return to action at the Tour de Romandie (April 26-May 1).

BMC for Amstel Gold Race

● Marcus Burghardt (G)
● Matthias Frank (Swi)
● Martin Kohler (Swi)
● Jeff Louder (USA)
● Manuel Quinziato (I)
● Ivan Santaromita (I)
● Mauro Santambrogio (I)
● Greg Van Avermaet (B)