Play about Tour de France winner Cadel Evans announces London run

Cadel: Lungs On Legs, created and performed by Connor Delves, will play in London this autumn.

The production, directed and dramaturged by Mark Barford and co-written by Delves and Steve McMahon, tells the story of cycling champion Cadel Evans, the only Australian to win the Tour de France.

It will open at Riverside Studios from 13 October to 15 November, with a press night on 15 October, following a return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at Gilded Balloon at the Museum from 6 to 30 August.

The solo show places Delves on stage for the duration, riding a 2011 yellow BMC SLR01 bicycle – the same model used by Evans in his 2011 victory – while recounting the physical and psychological demands of elite cycling, incorporating live race commentary from Phil Liggett.

Delves, who grew up in a cycling family, draws on personal experience for the piece. His parents ran a bike shop, his mother received the WA Sport Award (May Campbell Medal), and his father competed internationally alongside Evans in the 1990s.

The production previously played sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025 and toured Australia.

Evans has endorsed the production, saying today: “When I was on the verge of first breaking into the international cycling arena, an experienced and well-known ex-pro said to me: ‘As a cyclist, you are two things – a rider and an actor. In a race, sometimes you have to act like you are feeling good when you are not, and other times you have to act like you are not feeling good when you are.’ Twenty-seven years later, I still clearly remember hearing those words. And now, thanks to Connor Delves, professional cycling is about to take the stage.

“I have always been well aware of the drama, thrill, and often suspense of cycling – but now, I get to see my sport as an art form. It has been a privilege and an honour to entertain spectators and followers of cycling as an athlete in competition, and I’m excited for them – and for those new to the sport – to experience the drama, effort, unpredictability, and suspense of major races in a completely new way.

“Connor’s vision for this show is bold and exciting, and I’m thrilled to be involved from the start. His dedication to every detail – the training, and the physical demands of the production – reflects the same passion and commitment I’ve always brought to the bike. He’ll be riding a BMC, just like I did (and do!), wearing the same yellow jersey I wore, and actually riding on stage every night… how cool is that?

“I love cycling, and I’m deeply honoured that an Australian artist has been inspired to bring my story to life for audiences worldwide.”

The creative team includes production design by Imagine Black, with lighting by Mitchell Fenton and video design by Lauren Cochrane, sound design by Nate Edmondson, and assistant direction by Eva Sheehy-Moss. Mecca Christy appears as on-stage ASM and featured ensemble.