Evans' presence in next year's UCI ProTour Classic was thrown into jeopardy when he quit team Silence-Lotto at the weekend.

 

Race organisers have agreed a deal for the Australia's new team to race there despite the fact that BMC does not have ProTour status.

 

Evans was pleased with BMC's verbal agreement, which paves the way for him to become the first Australian cyclist to compete there in the road race world champion's rainbow jersey.

 

He said: "It's a privilege to be able to present my new jersey and my new BMC Racing Team to the Australian public and the rest of the world at the Santos Tour Down Under in January."

 

BMC's wild card invitation also sets up an enthralling battle between twice Tour de France runner-up Evans and Armstrong, the legendary seven-time winner, who will return for his second ride in the Tour Down Under.

 

Premier Mike Rann said Evans' confirmation was a "great coup for South Australia".

 

He said: "This may be the only chance to ever see two legends, in Lance Armstrong and Cadel Evans, compete against one another on Australian soil."

 

The State Government is negotiating with BMC to officially sign off on details of the wild card.

 

BMC will be third team to make its Tour Down Under debut next year.

 

Newly formed teams Radio Shack, led by Armstrong, and Team Sky have already been given ProTour licences.

 

BMC is the first team to be offered a wild card for the Tour Down Under.

 

UniSA Australia, the national team, compete under UCI rules allowing one national team entry to each ProTour event.

 

The 2010 Tour Down Under will run from January 17-24.

 

 

Related stories

November 2009: Evans to join BMC Racing

November 2009: Wiggins set for Team Sky after Evans decides Silence is not golden
September 2009: Evans claims world title as Britons leave empty-handed