Cadel Evans might have given up Cannondale mountain bikes for Colnago road bikes but he hasn’t given up his winning ways.

The elfin Australian clawed his way over the Dolomite mountains in the toughest stage of the Giro (Italy’s answer to the Tour De France) so far. He helped set a searing pace in a group containing himself and the other two main contenders Dario Frigo and Tyler Hamilton. Despite constantly aggressive riding by Frigo, Evans refused to buckle and put in some hard attacks himself with both riders crossing the final summit together.

Lone Mexican climber Julio Perez Cuapio managed to stay ahead of the plummeting chasers into the finish but it was Evans that pulled on the pink overall leaders jersey. The severe climbs of the Dolomites continue today though, with both Hamilton and Frigo very real threats to Evans rose tinted position.

The road world seems rather startled that a mere mountain biker has opened a can of whup ass on the pro peloton, but Evans’ speed goes to show that just because mountain bikers smile a lot more than roadies doesn’t mean we’re not serious racers. Fellow ex-mountain biker Michael Rasmussen left less of an impression yesterday, failing to stay with his team leader Tyler Hamilton over the final climb.

As usual all the roadie news and a Cadel Evans diary can be found on CyclingNews.com or check out Cadel Evans personal website here.

Incidentally, are we the only ones to think Cadel looks scarily like Icelandic popstrel Bjork?