GENEVA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Australian Cadel Evans became the surprise winner of the road race at the world cycling championships on Sunday. Evans broke clear around four kilometers from the end of the 262.2-km race in Mendrisio in six hours 56 minutes 26 seconds. Evans, 32, redeemed for his near-miss in this event two years ago in Stuttgart where he finished fifth although crossing the line almost together in a group of sprinters. Russia's Alexandr Kolobnev took silver 27 seconds behind, edging Spain's Joaquim Rodriguez into third place in a sprint for the line. It was Kolobnev's second silver in three years. Evans beat a field which included local favorite Fabian Cancellara, winner of Thursday's time trial, Vuelta winner Alejandro Valverde, Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez, defending champion Alessandro Ballan and Damiano Cunego of Italy.