Cyclist Cadel Evans speaks out on Tibet as he leaves Beijing

AAP | August 14, 2008

AUSTRALIAN cyclist Cadel Evans has flown out of the Beijing Olympics today, voicing his opinion on the situation in Tibet. Evans, who finished fifth in the men's road cycling individual time trial yesterday suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, is an outspoken supporter of a free Tibet.

The Tour de France runner-up has been widely shown wearing "Free Tibet" slogans on his racing gear and has a link on his website to another site where people can buy pro-Tibet merchandise.

He complied with International Olympic Committee protocols during the Games to leave political protest out of the Olympics, keeping his views on Tibet quiet until he flew out today.

"It's a sad situation and I think similar to what happened with the Australian Aborigines," Evans told the Seven Network.

Evans is reportedly on his way to visit the exiled Tibetan Olympic team in Switzerland.

It is the first time at these Games that an Australian has expressed a personal opinion about the political situation in Tibet.