Actor Bikes 27km, Reliving Cadel Evans' Tour de France Win

Fifteen years ago, Cadel Evans achieved a historic victory, becoming the first Australian to win the Tour de France. A new one-man show, "Cadel: Lungs on Legs," directed by Mark Barford and co-written by Connor Delves and Steve McMahon, vividly portrays Evans' arduous path to triumph.

Actor Connor Delves performs a demanding solo, cycling more than 27km on the very stationary bike Evans used during his 2011 victory. The production, after an acclaimed Edinburgh run, has returned to Perth, Delves' alma mater, before heading to South Australia.

Meticulous research, including interviews with Evans and access to his 2011 yellow jersey and bike, provides deep insight into his mindset. The play traces Evans' journey from a disciplined, introverted youth to a champion, highlighting his relentless self-talk and resilience.

The narrative unfolds non-linearly, shifting between key moments: the pressure of the 2011 penultimate stage in Grenoble, gruelling endurance tests in Canberra, and the constant challenges of second-place finishes compounded by injuries. Archival footage and staged elements immerse the audience in Evans' world.

Delves' performance skillfully captures Evans' awkwardness and resilience, punctuated by dry humor. The show culminates in the climactic 2011 time trial, where Evans secured his win. Delves, cycling intensely, embodies Evans' struggle and eventual relief, blurring the lines between actor and athlete.