Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner, 1st)
"I had this stage marked for me. I surely had to give everything, that was a damned hard race. But it was absolutely worthwhile. The finale went perfectly.
"After both my crashes, I wanted to try again. I simply wanted to show again that I could still do it in the third Giro week. That succeeded for me. And that was important to me. With my first stage win, I fulfilled a dream. That it also worked out with a second stage win is simply unbelievable."
José Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne, 2nd)
"I have to admit that the fastest rider won today. On the second last climb, I was in difficulty, but after that I was able to come back. It is a fact that when you are in a group with four other riders you believe in your chances, and that's why I tried to attack in the finish to surprise my breakaway companions, but they did not let me go and Schumacher was too strong in the sprint."
Marzio Bruseghin (Lampre-Fondital, 3rd)
"I've got no regrets. I gave all that I could, but Schumacher was faster," said Bruseghin after coming close to winning his first ever pro race.
"Also this time I didn't win. I'm sorry for my friend that handed out the awards for stage winners: he told me that he had kissed all the awards, hoping that I could win one. I think that he have to wait until next year!"
Marco Fertonani (Caisse d'Epargne, DNF)
"I am really disappointed", said the Italian rider, who abandoned after 100 km. "This is the second year I've really prepared myself for the Giro, but, no way for me! Last year I had to give up because of a crash and this time I had problems with my allergy in the first stages, and the last days some stomach aches really made me suffer. Today was really a bad one. I felt empty. I will rest for a few days before starting my preparation for the Tour de Suisse. I now have to concentrate on the future."
