Française des Jeux rider Bernhard Eisel was prepared for a tough day in the saddle this morning. "It is true that l'Alpe d'Huez is a mythical place but all we know today is that we will be in a lot of pain," he stated. "But if it goes like in the Pyrenees, I won't have any problems to follow."
Six time green jersey winner Erik Zabel was anticipating a hard time. When asked how he felt this morning, the German said, "At the moment I am fine, but later on.."
