Francisco Pérez (Caisse d'Epargne) was unhappy with his second place in the stage, but he could not get rid of Laverde. "I am very disappointed at losing that stage," he said after crossing the line. "I felt really strong and that’s the reason why I attacked at five kilometres from the finish. Laverde refused to take over. He just did it once, but that or nothing, it was just the same. I tried to drop him on the cobbles but it was not possible. He remained on my wheel. I will have to try again."
