Cadel Evans becomes outright Tour De France favourite
Cadel Evans is now the outright $2.10 favourite to be the first Australian to win the Tour de France after pulling out more time on key rivals in last night’s 16th stage.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said Evans had been clearly the best backed competitor for weeks but last night’s decisive move had seen him shorten to favourite for the first time.
“We are standing Evans for close to $150,000 after laying good bets at $21 before the start of the Tour and then punters have just kept coming for him as he has shown he has the legs this year,” Sullivan said.
“We have taken bets to take out $16,000, $10,000 and a series of bets to win $2000 and $3000 as Aussie punters showed their faith in Evans when most thought his chance of winning yellow had gone.
“Andy Schleck had still held favouritism going into last night but he has blown from $2.25 to $7.50 after losing over a minute last night and not looking in top form.
“Alberto Contador was the big shortener coming from $5.00 in to $2.50 but he still is two minutes behind Evans, so all is looking good for the Aussie.”
Sullivan said the key stages in the Alps in the coming days would decide whether Evans would be the first Australian to stand on the top of the podium in Paris.
“I can’t see Evans losing time tonight, if Contador, the Schlecks or anyone else is to take the necessary time from Evans they will need to do it in on stages 18 and 19,” he said.
“Stage 19 up the Alp d’Huez will be the challengers last chance as Evans will be too good in the time trial if they don’t take time off him before then.”
TOUR DE FRANCE – RACE WINNER
Sportingbet Australia Market
Cadel Evans 2.10
Alberto Contador 2.50
Andy Schleck 7.50
Thomas Voeckler 15.00
Frank Schleck 21.00
Samuel Sanchez 29.00
Ivan Basso 51.00
Damiano Cunego 251.00
Tom Danielson 501.00
