The celebrations for the first Australian to win the Tour de France transcend politics, sport spokesperson for the Greens Senator Richard Di Natale said today.

“Like most of the country, I was on the edge of my seat, watching Cadel Evans on the final leg of the tour,” Senator Di Natale said.

“The feeling in Geelong is indescribable – we couldn’t be prouder to have a hometown boy on the podium.

“There must be something in the water around my home patch – Phil Anderson, the first Australian to win the yellow jersey, was an Apollo Bay resident.

“I’m a keen cyclist myself , although not quite in Cadel Evans’ league.

“It’s amazing that a solitary sport can bring so many people together.

“Today, no matter which side of politics we fall on, we are all celebrating this historic cycling win.

“I can’t think of any Australian more deserving to win the Tour de France for the first time than Cadel Evans.

“He will inspire a whole new generation of young Australians to embrace cycling, and everything about it that makes our communities and our country great.”

Media contact: Elissa McKay 0457 901 600