Evans explained the plan to compete in the Giro d'Italia for the first time since 2010 – where he won a stage while wearing the rainbow colored World Champion jersey and led the race for one day – was proposed to him earlier this month. His BNC Racing Team is eagerly searching for a new recipe for Evans after he delivered a disappointing performance in last year's Tour de France. The call for a modified race schedule has been intensified after Evans finished 51st overall in this year's Criterium International - a race he won last year.

"I could stick with my normal program that I do every year or try this different approach, which may be too much, but certainly enough," he explained. "I have always wanted to race again at the Giro, but after I raced it in 2010, I didn't get to the Tour fresh. I'm not saying that the Giro and the Tour together is too much. The illness and injury I had in 2010 made it impossible to judge."

Evans, who won the 2011 Tour de France, said this year's Tour de France remains his number one goal. Evans' BMC team, however, is said to have high expectations for teammate Tejay van Garderen in this year's Tour. "The team will put everything into the Tour de France," Evans said. "My situation is a bit strange because there are not many riders who perform better with two grand tours than one in their legs. In my situation, with the racing I missed last year, I need and I feel comfortable with this program."

Evans said his objective for the Giro d'Italia, which takes place in Italy from May 4-26, is simple. "To get back to my best," he said. "Since the virus I had last year, I have had to change my approach to my work. It's difficult when you struggle to get to your best even though you are doing everything correctly. I am not coming to the Giro d'Italia just for training. I don't know where I will be with my form, but for sure, I will give it everything."

BMC Racing Team Sports Director John Lelangue said he has no concerns about Evans riding back-to-back grand tours and still being the team's clear leader in this year's Tour de France. "When he did both in 2010, he did good two performances and he has proven in the past he can do both the Tour and the Vuelta a España," Lelangue explained.

"So three weeks of racing in what is a nice Giro for him, will be the best way to prepare well and be ready for the month of July."

By adding Evans to the BMC team's Giro d'Italia roster the team likely increases its chances of winning one of its key disciplines - the stage 2 team time trial and also adds invaluable experience. "It's a great advantage to have him on the roster."

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