FRANCE - Australia's reigning world champion Cadel Evans has displayed a new determination in his bid to keep the Tour de France yellow jersey after shunning the media on the race's first rest day.

FRANCE - Australia's reigning world champion Cadel Evans has displayed a new determination in his bid to keep the Tour de France yellow jersey after shunning the media on the race's first rest day.

Evans took the race lead after the first big climbing test on Sunday when the BMC rider finished in a strong group 10 seconds behind Andy Schleck as the Luxembourg rider soared to the stage win at Morzine-Avoriaz.

The Australian now holds a 20-second lead over Saxo Bank leader Schleck, race favourite with Astana's reigning champion Alberto Contador, who is third, a further 1min:01sec back.

"To swap the (world champion's) rainbow jersey for the yellow jersey is a rare feat that I've had the honour to experience," Evans said. "But it's also for the team and all the work we've put in together, not just for the Tour but building the team and everything." - Sapa-AFP