After conquering the world's most gruelling cycling races and standing on podiums across Europe, Australian cycling legend Cadel Evans has discovered his ultimate prize: a balanced life in the coastal haven of Barwon Heads.
From mountain peaks to coastal streets
The 2011 Tour de France champion, who once battled through the Alps and Pyrenees, now enjoys much gentler rides along the Bellarine Peninsula's scenic trails. "It's about finding that balance between staying active and actually enjoying where you are," Evans reveals.
Barwon Heads, located just over 100 kilometres from Melbourne, provides the perfect backdrop for Evans' post-racing life. The quiet coastal town offers the privacy and normality that eluded him during his peak competitive years.
A family man's retreat
For Evans and his wife Chiara, raising their son Robel in a supportive community was paramount. "We wanted somewhere that felt like a real community, where Robel could have a normal childhood," Evans explains. The former world champion can often be seen doing the school run or chatting with locals at the town's cafes.
The Evans family has fully embraced the coastal lifestyle, with beach walks and ocean swims becoming part of their daily routine. "There's something about being near the water that just resets everything," he shares.
Staying connected to cycling
While his professional racing days are behind him, Evans maintains strong ties to the sport that made him a household name. He continues to ride regularly, though the intensity has changed dramatically.
"These days, it's more about the enjoyment than the training load," he says with a smile. "I might ride to a cafe, meet some friends, and actually taste the coffee instead of just gulping it down for caffeine."
The Cadel Evans Road Race legacy
Evans remains involved in Australian cycling through the race that bears his name - the Cadel Evans Road Race. The event brings world-class cycling back to the Great Ocean Road region, allowing Evans to give back to the sport while showcasing Victoria's stunning coastline.
"It's wonderful to see the event continue and to see new generations of Australian cyclists coming through," he notes.
Finding contentment after the spotlight
The transition from elite athlete to everyday life hasn't always been smooth, but Evans has embraced the change. "When you're competing at that level, everything is structured around performance. Now, I can choose what I want to do each day," he reflects.
His advice to other athletes facing retirement? "Find what makes you happy outside of sport. For me, that's family, this community, and still being able to ride my bike on my own terms."
As the sun sets over the Barwon River, Cadel Evans seems to have found something even rarer than a Tour de France victory: genuine contentment in life after sport.
