Cadel Evans has finished fifth in the inaugural Great Ocean Road Race in his farewell to cycling.
Belgian cyclist Gianni Meersman took home the title after a tight tussle and sprint finish in the final lap in Geelong on Sunday.
Evans, the 2011 Tour de France champion, stayed with the pack throughout the day as Australia’s greatest cyclist farewelled professional racing on an emotional high note.
“It was incredibly aggressive racing and I say thanks to everyone coming out, coming to the first race but also racing so hard right from the go,” Evans told Channel Seven.
“It was almost like riding a World Championships with a slightly smaller field over a smaller distance. It was super aggressive racing. That made it really interesting.
“Those guys there, Meersman and Haas, they’re pretty quick at the finish and I was happy to make the front group at first but it wasn’t exactly the easiest group to pick.
“Also in the finish there, I came from a reasonably good position. You’ll be able to tell me more about that but didn’t have the legs.
“I think even if I had the legs those guys are quicker than me when I finished.”
Source: AAP/ABC