Tour de France winner Cadel Evans was back on his bike Friday ? for just a few minutes and for a distance of about 500 meters ? to take part in a parade in downtown Melbourne honoring his July 24 triumph. Flag-waving spectators turned out to watch Evans ride the short distance down St. Kilda Road to popular Federation Square in the center of the city. Evans, wearing his winners? yellow jersey, was draped in an Australian flag and high-fived fans along the way. Evans, who later signed autographs in the crowd, was the first Australian ? and only third non-European ? to win the most prestigious event in cycling. ?This is great, fantastic, everyone?s missing out on school and work, right?? Evans said. ?I?m very proud to be able to bring back this jersey and we can celebrate it together.? Evans received a huge ovation when he stepped on stage before what Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said was the biggest crowd ever seen at Federation Square, estimated to be about 30,000. ?I could say overwhelmed, but that?d be the understatement of this month at least,? Evans said when asked how we felt about the reception. He reveled in his ride and celebrating with the fans, but said he was already focused on defending his title next year. ?It was great to shake everyone?s hands, but the Tour is just 11 months away, I?ve got some work ahead,? he said. Evans said his life has changed since his win, but some things still stayed the same. ?It still hurts to ride uphill,? he said. Evans arrived in Melbourne Thursday to see his family and take part in several functions. He has a home at Barwon Heads south of the city, near the tourist
