By John Trevorrow in Ravenna
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto, 4th): "I didn't have the legs," McEwen told Cyclingnews after crossing the finish line. "I got too far back and I had to use my sprint to get into position to sprint. I got to the front just as Petacchi was making his move, but I'd already spent it all."
Christian Vandevelde (CSC, 177th): "I'm happy to have one more day out of the way. One more day done, and one day closer to the mountains.
Are you pleased with Basso's ride yesterday? "I don't know who I'm more impressed with: Ivan or Dave!"
Ivan gained back more than the time he lost on Saturday. "This race is going to be so hard and so long," said Vandevelde. "He was never out of it, but some people had their doubts. Ivan just keeps improving in leaps and bounds each year."
Matt White (Cofidis, 14th): Matt White was upbeat when we spoke to him at the finish, although he had removed his Elvis sunglasses that he was wearing this morning. He obviously had good legs, as he led Stuart O'Grady out and finished one place behind him. "I'm feeling great," he said. "I got Stuey to the front and felt really strong myself. I'm getting better each day."
Henk Vogels (Davitamon-Lotto, 26th): "I felt really strong today. I'm definitely getting quicker each day. I had Robbie on the wheel then Bettini decided to sprint today, and got in between us at the 1400 metre to go mark. Robbie got separated when Bettini went in a different direction and I couldn't lead him out. Unfortunately, Robbie had to hit out 100m early. It was a shame because I thought we would have got stage number 3.
Vogels also paid tribute to his teammate Nick Gates, who shared the work with the Fassa Bortolo team. "Nick was so strong today. He was on the front for most of the day."
Nick Gates (Davitamon-Lotto, 57th): "I had a good day, I felt good, and the knee is feeling fine now. I'm disappointed for Robbie, but we'll get another chance in a couple of days."
Davitamon-Lotto directeur sportif Marc Sergeant, on Henk riding the Tour de France: "I don't know. Henk is going very well but he's had a heavy program already and we'll just see what happens over the next few days. I would like to have him in but I have to do the right thing by Henk."
