Cadel: Lungs on Legs review – a heart-pumping, hilarious portrait of an Australian cycling champion

Fifteen years after Cadel Evans became the first Australian to win the Tour de France – and only the third non-European ever to claim the title – his story is being brought to life on stage in a unique and physically demanding performance.

A Grueling Journey Reimagined

Cadel: Lungs on Legs, a one-man show, compresses the years of dedication, injury, and self-doubt that culminated in Evans’ 2011 victory into a single hour. Actor Connor Delves embodies this journey by actually pedaling more than 27 kilometers on the very stationary bike Evans used during the 2011 Tour de France.

Did You Know? Cadel Evans’ 2011 Tour de France win required him to overcome a 57-second deficit in the final time trial against Andy Schleck.

The production, which received acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe, is currently running at Perth’s Cygnet theatre at Hale School, the actor’s alma mater. Following its Perth run, the show is scheduled to travel to South Australia.

Beyond the Podium Finish

The play delves deeper than the celebratory images of Evans in Paris. It explores the years of “near-misses, injuries and attrition” that preceded his triumph. Co-written by Delves and Steve McMahon, and directed by Mark Barford, the show is informed by meticulous research, including interviews with Evans himself, providing unprecedented insight into his mindset and internal dialogue.

The staging is designed to immerse the audience, with Delves performing at the center of a circular platform surrounded by discarded water bottles, evoking the relentless physical demands of the sport. Archival footage and aerial scenery are projected on three screens, recreating key moments and locations from Evans’ career.

Expert Insight: Presenting an athlete’s story through physical performance, as seen in Cadel: Lungs on Legs, offers a visceral understanding of the dedication and endurance required to reach the highest levels of competition. This approach moves beyond simply recounting achievements to embody the experience itself.

A Non-Linear Narrative

The play doesn’t follow a strictly chronological order. It jumps between eras, showcasing Evans as a “lonely, self-contained kid in the outback,” enduring rigorous training in Canberra, and facing the pressures and suspicions of the doping-scarred cycling world. The narrative repeatedly revisits second-place finishes and the constant internal self-talk that drove Evans forward.

Legendary Tour de France commentator Phil Liggett, after seeing the show in Edinburgh, reportedly stated simply: “Delves is Evans on stage.” The final sequence recreates the decisive 2011 time trial, culminating in Evans’ victory and a moment of shared celebration between the performer and the audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the premise of the play?

The play, Cadel: Lungs on Legs, is a one-man show that recreates Cadel Evans’ journey to winning the 2011 Tour de France through physical performance and psychological exploration.

Where is the show currently being performed?

The show is currently running at Perth’s Cygnet theatre at Hale School until February 13th, and will then move to Adelaide’s Goodwood theatre from February 19th to March 21st.

What did Cadel Evans contribute to the production?

Cadel Evans provided unprecedented insight into his mindset and self-talk through interviews with the production team, and also provided the actual bike and yellow jersey from his 2011 win.

What aspects of an athlete’s internal experience do you think are most compelling to explore through live performance?

Cadel: Lungs on Legs review – a heart-pumping, hilarious portrait of an Australian cycling champion | Australian theatre