Mosgiel cyclist Brad Evans made a hurried trip back from China to ride in the Tour of Southland this week.
The 23-year-old's stocks have risen considerably this year. He moved to Melbourne to ride for Pat's Veg in the Victorian Road Series and the Australian Road Series.
Strong performances in those events saw Drapac Professional Cycling sign Evans on a trainee contract and he impressed during his first race, helping his new team finish 11th in the Tour of Hainan.
Evans finished 32nd in the general classification, 2min 36sec behind winner Sacha Modolo (Italy).
He arrived back in Melbourne on Friday and then flew home so he could make the Tour of Southland prologue on Sunday.
Obviously he wasn't suffering from jet-lag, as he finished fifth in the first stage on Monday.
Between flights he had time to flick the Taieri Times a quick email about his experience in China.
''The tour was a very gruelling race with very hot [temperatures] and long distances to cope with,'' he wrote.
''I started the tour on day one with a [spot] in the breakaway and was rewarded with most aggressive rider [prize]. I also got time bonuses over the course for the day and following stages, and was very high in the overall classification for the whole week.
''My role was primarily a leadout rider for Brenton Jones. I excelled at this role and it was my job to deliver him with 500m to go. This resulted in many top 5s and on the last day we won the stage.''
''My best stage [finish] was an eighth place, when our sprinter got lost in a crash during the finale.
''The hill stage proved decisive for the overall classification. I lost contact on the last climb of the day with 1km to go to the top. It was close; if I had held on I would have been top five overall.
''I suffered, in the end, from the distance and extreme heat that day.
''The team was very happy with my performances in Hainan.
''I am looking forward to some cooler temperatures and hopefully some wind in Southland, as I aim for a top performance there.''
