Post-stage quotes

By Jean-François Quénet in Bourg-de-Péage

David Zabriskie (CSC), 1st

"I didn't know that four Americans took the top four positions. I'm not surprised about that. For some reason, Americans are talented for time trialing. I have a theory about that: when Americans start cycling, it's by themselves, Europeans do it in groups. It could be nothing but that's my theory."

Levi Leipheimer (Gerolsteiner), 3rd at 1'17

"I'm happy. David Zabriskie went faster, but I'm happy. I'm in the same shape as one year ago. But last year's time trial suited my capabilities better. If I'm one of the favourites for the Tour de France this year? Yes, for sure. If I can do time trials like this, I can target the win or the top three."

Alexandre Vinokourov, 17th at 2'41

"It's not too bad but I'm not at the top. I know the Tour is in three weeks time, that's why my form is delayed compared to last year. I know I'm on the right track. I've lost two minutes on Floyd Landis, that's normal, these guys have done a lot of races. I'll look at Saturday's stage but I won't put too much pressure on myself for winning a stage this year."