Cadel Evans attended his last WorldTour official pre-race press conference ahead of his retirement early next month, but it wasn’t just the 2015 Santos Tour Down Under that was on his mind.

Evans, 37, will retire from professional racing on 2 February to take up a Global Ambassador role with BMC Racing and he reflected on his memories and highlights of competing in Adelaide.

“Three King of the Mountain’s titles, my first (stage) win with Mapei (in 2002) …,” he recalled amongst other highlights. Last year he was pipped for overall honours by Simon Gerrans (Orica GreenEDGE) by a mere one second.

Evans took part in the very first Tour Down Under back in 1999 and has completed the race eight times. 

“I only have two weeks to go as a pro rider,” he noted with emotion. “I’m here at my last WorldTour race to get the best result I’m capable of, if not the win, I aim for a good result.”

As a significant chapter in the history of Australian cycling history draws to a close, Race Director Mike Turtur acknowledged the significance of the occasion for the Santos Tour Down Under and the sport in general.

“It’s going to be a big change for the sport in Australia when our only Tour de France winner and elite road race world champion will retire in two weeks time”, said Turtur. “He’s had a great history with our race. 

“We’ve got photos of him as a young boy competing here,” said Turtur. “He’ll be missed.”

Newly crowned Australian Time Trial Champion, Richie Porte (Team SKY) rejected suggestions he is the pre-race favourite. 

“I don’t really see myself as the race favourite,” said the Tasmanian. “Besides Cadel, there are riders like Tom Dumoulin who can climb and sprint. 

“Last year, Willunga Hill was a highlight of my season and I want to do well there again,” added Porte. “I’ve done two good months of training, I’m motivated.”

Australian Road Race Champion, Heinrich Haussler added another name to the men to watch this week, his new IAM Cycling team-mate Jarlinson Pantano. He also outlined his objectives for the race.

“I see my chances more on (southaustralia.com) Stage 2 and (Bupa) Stage 4,” Haussler said. “I will also try to win Stages 1and 6 but I haven’t trained specifically on my sprint and a guy like Marcel [Kittel] can always produce a bigger power in flat finishes.”

Tour de France sprinting star Marcel Kittel (Giant Alpecin) admitted he is targeting the first and last stages.

“I feel quite good at the moment,” he declared.

“Tomorrow we’ll find out who’s the best sprinter here and I’ll look for opportunities during the race," he added, referring to the People's Choice Classic that he won.

With world-class athletes like Kittel, Haussler, Porte and Evans, all the ingredients are there and ready for an exciting 2015 Santos Tour Down Under and emotional farewell to an Australian cycling legend.