More post-stage quotes

Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto, 147th at 44'10)

"I felt a lot better today. I didn't struggle on the climbs and we got a good gruppetto going. We caught Baden and a few of the boys and rode solidly through the climbs."

Some say that as the hardest stage ever?

"Not for me. I suppose it depends where you are at personally. I was in much more trouble yesterday. I reckon these big transfers after tough stages are a bit much but what can you do?"

Stuart O'Grady (Credit Agricole, 149th at 44'10)

"It's becoming inhumane, pushing to the limits of what a rider can do. That was one of the hardest stages I've ever ridden and then we have a transfer of two hours in the bus. And two hours yesterday. It is getting ridiculous."