Watching Cadel Evans ride at Santos Tour Down Under this week, you could be forgiven for thinking he was getting into the groove for another season, rather than riding his last WorldTour race before retirement.

However, it is true and the rather brilliant BMC Racing social media has been in full swing to commemorate the achievements of one of their greatest and most popular riders.

Check out the rather beautiful customised bike Cadel gets to ride, I LOVE the Tintin detail on the top tube.

Tintin on the top tube.
(Image via BMC twitter)

The team has also been celebrating his career on both their Instagram and Facebook sites using the hashtag #ThanksCadel. There are thoughts and images from the team and his legion of fans. Here’s just a short sample…

Cadel Evans, the Australian Cycling Pioneer. Kangaroos, Vegemite sandwiches, the outback – that’s what the Land Down Under is known for. Cadel Evans added something else: cycling. He was the first Australian to win the UCI Road World Championships in 2009 and the first ever Australian winner of the Tour de France. Cadel definitely entered sporting immortality! #thankscadel

There are sure to be many retrospective articles written about this gritty Aussie racer. But letting his fans pay their own tribute is as heart-warming and honest as any, and I rather think Cadel will approve.

Featured image: Cadel by our own Panache