Evans pulls out of one day race, fine for Beijing

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

BRUSSELS (AFP) — Tour de France runner-up Cadel Evans pulled out of the one day criterium held in Flanders on Tuesday with a reported injured knee.

But mystery surrounded the origin of the injury.

According to organiser Denis Bolle the Australian cyclist sustained the problem at a rock and roll party put on by his team Silence Lotto in a Parisian cafe on Sunday night to celebrate the end of the Tour.

"It shows a flagrant lack of respect," said Bolle, adding he had only been told of Evans' absence "a few hours before the criterium".

But Bolle's version was challenged by the Australian cycling federation which published a statement dismissing as "an unfounded rumour" speculation that Evans had injured his knee which "threatened his participation at the...