Tour de France champion Cadel Evans says cycling deserves more credit for its efforts to combat the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Evans said Friday that the UCI, the world cycling federation, still has more work to do — “I won’t say it’s a never-ending fight, but it’s a complicated job like fighting crime in modern society.”

The Australian, speaking after a parade in his honor in Melbourne, said “ you can’t eliminate it completely, but they’re doing well and I’m just a bit sorry they’re not praised for their efforts just a little bit more — a little bit of encouragement and optimism.”

Evans has in the past been reluctant to comment on doping in cycling.

“The sport has always been winning, but it’s a hard and complicated fight,” Evans told Australian Associated Press after a victory parade in Melbourne yester.

“From what I see, it’s really improving.What we see inside and what we say and what’s reported in the press aren’t always quite the same ... sometimes I think what I’m speaking is falling on deaf ears.”

Flag-waving spectators turned out to watch Evans ride the short distance down St. Kilda Road to popular Federation Square in the center of the city. Evans, wearing his winners’ yellow jersey, was draped in an Australian flag and high-fived fans along the way.

Evans, who later signed autographs in the crowd, was the first Australian — and only third non-European — to win the most prestigious event in cycling.

“This is great, fantastic, everyone’s missing out on school and work, right?” Evans said. “I’m very proud to be able to bring back this jersey and we can celebrate it together.”

Evans received a huge ovation when he stepped on stage before what Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said was the biggest crowd ever seen at Federation Square, estimated to be about 30,000.

“I could say overwhelmed, but that’d be the understatement of this month at least,” Evans said when asked how we felt about the reception.

He reveled in his ride and celebrating with the fans, but said he was already focused on defending his title next year.

“It was great to shake everyone’s hands, but the Tour is just 11 months away, I’ve got some work ahead,” he said.

Evans said his life has changed since his win, but some things still stayed the same.

“It still hurts to ride uphill,” he said.

Evans arrived in Melbourne on Thursday to see his family and take part in several functions. He has a home at Barwon Heads south of the city, near the tourist-popular Great Ocean Road.