Cadel Evans has overtaken the lead in the ProTour after Danilo Di Luca was banned for three months by the International Cycling Union (UCI).

Evans was a mere 15 points behind Danilo, but is now 36 points ahead of Alberto Contador, the recently crowned Tour de France winner.

He labelled Frank Schleck, Paolo Bettini, Davide Rebellin and Samuel Sanchez as his main dangers in the event, though none of them can challenge him for the overall crown.

Evans needs to hold off Alejandro Valverde, and Oscar Freire in the final race of the season in Italy.

Read more about Evans ProTour standings.