Cadel Evans has won the Criterium International after placing fourth in the third and final stage of the race that finished with a climb up to Col de l'Ospedale in the Corsican region of France.

The 35-year-old Victorian, who took over the lead by winning the time trial, ended the race eight seconds clear of French rider Pierrick Fedrigo (FDJ-Big Mat) who won the 179 kilometre final stage. Canberra's Michael Rogers (Team Sky) finished third overall on the same time Fedrigo.

"Yesterday was a good indication and a nice confidence boost," said Evans of his stage two time trial win. "Sometimes things go well and it all comes together.

"Up until this point, I had trouble bringing things together but I knew to keep working at it and things would come together," said Evans.

Evans said his form is improving as prepares to defend his Tour de France crown in July.

"I'm a racer, I love to race and this is my job. It's my life, sometimes things go well and it all comes together," he said. "It's a good indication (for the Tour) but there are still big races to come."

Evans was well supported by his BMC team mates especially in the final 14 kilometres when Brent Bookwalter, then Marco Pinotti and finally Amaël Moinard set the pace for their leader. The stage started with 18 riders within 15 seconds of the lead putting pressure on the BMC Racing Team to keep the pace high to ward off attacks on the ascent of the Col de l'Ospedale.

"As a team we worked really well today," said Evans. "Today, the young guys started out and I think for them it was an honour for them to ride in a part of France for the yellow jersey."

The climb hit a steep patch inside the last three kilometres and that's where Evans lifted the pace which reduced the front group from ten to four riders who contested the placings.

Cycling Australia