After twice finishing second in the sport’s greatest race (2007 and 2008), and 20 Tour Stage victories to his credit, Cadel Evans finally stood on the top of the podium in Paris.
The key to victory was not losing time in the mountains to the climbing talents of Andy and Frank Schleck of Luxembourg and making up a nearly one minute deficit on the next to last day of the race in the time trials. 
The 34 year-old Australian, the oldest winner of the Tour since World War II, protected a small lead that he’d picked up in the early stages of the race by maintaining that close contact with more talented climbers, knowing that he didn’t need to attack in order to win while using his strength in time-trialing to secure the overall title.
Andy and Frank finished 2nd and 3rd overall. The polka-dot jersey awarded to the best climber, went to Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez of Spain. The best young rider was Pierre Rolland of France, who won the classic climb up the Alpe d’Huez on Friday.
Britain’s Mark Cavendish took the green jersey for the overall best sprinter.
