Post-race quotes

By Jean-François Quénet in Briançon

Ludovic Turpin (AG2R, 1st)

"I can't say I believed to be racing for the win before I was alone three kilometres away from the summit of Col d'Izoard. Initially, it was Thor Hushovd who accelerated in our group of three, where Jérôme Pineau didn't look good. Then I accelerated myself in the steepest part of the Izoard. I knew I was able to win something big. In six years as a pro, I never lost confidence in my abilities to do that. I think this gives me a slot to start at the Tour de France."

Iban Mayo (Euskaltel, 2nd)

"After two years, this is my first time with good sensations. I crashed in the early part of the stage but I felt okay on the Col d'Izoard. I attacked to win the stage but maybe I tried too late. Anyway, it's important for my morale to come second here. Tomorrow, if I can, I'll try again. I was good at the time trial, not on the Mont Ventoux, but my condition is good, that's important."

Pietro Caucchioli (Crédit Agricole, 4th)

"Finishing fourth here isn't a bad result, considering that I'm not at 100 percent yet. I'm here for trying on the climbs and getting ready for the Tour de France, where I'll be the main rider of Crédit Agricole for GC, since Christophe Moreau has left the team. Some work above threshold is still missing. I'm not among the favourites for the Tour. I won't start with the intention of winning but I'll do my best for the overall classification."