WINNING: Cadel Evans Wins Tour de France!

(AP) – Cadel Evans won the Tour de France today, becoming the first Australian to capture cycling's most prestigious title. The 34-year-old Evans crossed the finish line on the Champs-Elysee at the end of the largely ceremonial final stage. He had virtually secured the title with his ride in the time trial in Grenoble a day earlier, and becomes the oldest winner since 1922. Andy Schleck of Luxembourg finished second overall for the third straight year, with brother Frank Schleck in third.

The 21st and final stage—the most prestigious for the race's sprinters—was won by Britain's Mark Cavendish for the third year in a row, despite his being forced to change his bike on the Champs-Elysees. Seven or eight riders were still in competition for the victory in the final week. Evans looked at one point to have lost his chance, when Andy Schleck rode away from the others on the Galibier pass. But Evans held his nerve and finished well ahead of Schleck in the time-trial yesterday to guarantee his victory.