There's inescapable symmetry about Cadel Evans' preparation for the Tour de France.

For a third consecutive year the Australian finished second in the eight-stage Dauphine Libere race, a key lead-up to cycling's biggest event where the Australian has also been runner-up the past two years.

So what does it mean for his Tour de France prospects next month? Will it be another case of things happening in threes or could it be third time lucky?

Evans was positive and philosophical after finishing 16 seconds overall behind controversial Spanish defending champion Alejandro Valverde in the Dauphine Libere on Sunday.

Lotto team leader Evans made several attempts to break away from Valverde on the mountainous 146km final stage. But again major Tour de France rival Alberto Contador proved the biggest stumbling block as he quickly jumped on Evans' wheel with countryman Valverde tagging along.

At the summit of the last climb Caisse d'Epargne rider Valverde rested his hand on Astana star Contador's shoulder as if to thank him for his support.

"I tried in the final but it was Australia vs Spain," noted Evans on his website. "I tried what I could to get rid of Valverde, but with an accompanying Contador not wanting either himself or myself winning, it was 1 vs. 2.

"Oh well, that's racing, and (normally) at the Tour, more contenders will make for more aggressive racing."

Contador, the 2007 Tour de France champion, finished third overall, 62 seconds behind Evans, seemingly content just to cover the Australian through mountain stages.

Boosting Evans' confidence is his belief that his team is shaping up stronger than previously.

Valverde denied there was an agreement between himself and Contador although their cooperation was obvious.

"Alberto did his own race," Valverde said. "He wanted to keep his third place and stayed attentive."

Asked about possible help that Contador could look for in case of an offensive by Astana teammate Lance Armstrong in the tour, Valverde said: "If I can help him at the Tour de France, I'll do it.

"But if I have to attack him, I'll do it as much as he'd attack me."

However, there is huge question mark over whether Valverde will be able to line up in the Tour de France.

The Spaniard faces a worldwide two-year ban if cycling's world ruling body the UCI acts upon evidence yet to be delivered by the Italian sporting authorities about his alleged involvement in the Operation Puerto doping affair.

Italy's Olympic Committee (CONI) has already banned him from racing on Italian soil, apparently ruling him out of the Tour de France, which passes through Italy's Val D'Aosta region on July 21.

"I don't show what I feel outwardly. But yes, everything that's happened makes me angry," said Valverde. "It's unjust, but I'm convinced that sooner or later things will be resolved in my favour.

AAP-AFP