Australian cyclist Cadel Evans said he is fit for Wednesday's men's individual time trial after recovering from a knee injury.

The 2007 and 2008 Tour de France runner-up slipped and fell at a party two weeks ago and announced earlier this month that he would not contest the timed event, but a strong performance in last week's road race has changed his mind.

"My body is OK. There's no knee problems, I would say I got ready at this point," said Evans, who placed 15th in the men's road race on Sunday.

Australia's coach Shayne Bannan was also optimistic about Evans's racing.

"Cadel's really pleased with the way he came through it, he felt strong, so it wouldn't surprise me if Cadel also is switched on for the time trial," said Bannan.

It isn't the first time Evans was sidelined due to injury. The 31-year-old had to take a break in May to recover from tendonitis which he blamed on time spent working on his aerodynamic position for the time trial.

Evans was his country's sole rider for the time trial before his injury, but Australia was then awarded a wild card spot in the event, which went to three-time world champion Michael Rogers.

The men's time trial race will be held on Aug. 13.

(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2008)