Cadel Evans Wins Tour De France, Makes Australia Proud

Cadel Evans has worked very hard to win the Tour de France, placing second a few years in a row, and having to drop out during one shot because of an injury.

This year, however, is his year.

"I hope I brought a great deal of joy to my countrymen, my country," Evans said Sunday after climbing onto the winner's podium on the Champs-Elysees. "It's been a pleasure and an honor to fly the flag over here."

The 34-year-old Evans, the oldest champion since before World War II, stood on the podium wrapped in his national flag, his eyes tearing up as he listened to the Australian national anthem. He then embraced Andy and Frank Schleck.

Not only that, but he's only the third non-European to win it!

He's only the third non-European to win the Tour since it started in 1903. American Greg LeMond broke the European domination in 1986, with the first of his three wins, and his fellow American Lance Armstrong won seven straight beginning in 1999.

He definitely deserves a congratulations! That race has just got to be one of the toughest things to even finish, let alone win.

Australia is cheering for you, Cadel, and we are too! You put in the work and effort, and it paid off. We respect that whole-heartedly, and we hope the celebrations for you are incredible!

Congrats again!

[Image via AP Images.]

Tags: australia, champion, country, europe, france, heart, injury, strong, sunday, tour de france