And how much does a second place actually mean?

Cadel Evans has been through injuries, illnesses, and perhaps more importantly; inconsistency, during the last two years. The experienced Australian rider has simply not been himself, and has seemingly been playing catch-up for years.

Most have attributed Evan’s lack of success to his age and waning abilities, but a few still believe in him. One of these is Allan Peiper. Sporting manager of BMC.

"I was out riding with the boys this morning and they're all talking about how great Cadel looks, how 'cut' his legs are, how fit he looks, how good he was on Sunday," Peiper told AAP. "They're all in awe of the stature that the Australian public gives him here and the performance he did on Sunday.

“He's really gelling with those guys and I think the stage is set for a great start to the year. You start off well ... and now it's the momentum that starts to build."

"But in light of how strong GreenEDGE was and also Drapac were, him securing second and feeling ... he was strongest on the climbs, it shows well for Tour Down Under and coming into the new season."

There is no doubt about last Sunday’s second place - in the Aussie road race – was a super result for Evans. He went toe to toe against Australia’s best riders, and did very decent indeed. Not only did he have to fight off hordes of Drapac and GreenEDGE riders, he also had to deal with a mechanical problem inside the last 30km.

Evan’s second place provides both him and BMC with a good start to the season. This is especially important, as BMC – just like Cadel - has ridden far below expectations for a number of years now. Hardly what anyone would want from one of cycling’s richest teams, and from a former Tour de France winner.

"The important thing is we kick off the 2014 year with a bang," Peiper said, and thus highlighted the team’s wishes and plans.

And Evans?

He might be back.

The question is, if he is motivated enough to do well. Please consider his statement to Cyclingnews before the road race, when asked about what the national jersey would mean to him…

"I suppose I would be obliged to wear a national champion's jersey for the year…"

"…it doesn't count for much."

It is hard to see how years of struggles will be turned around with such an attitude.

Still though. When Evans is good he is entertaining, and hopefully he will be able to provide just a bit of spectacle to this year’s race calendar.