By John Trevorrow in Rovereto
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto, 6th)
"No good," were McEwen's first words after crossing the line.
Position or legs? "Both. When I don't feel good, I find it hard to get into position. I got blocked a couple of times and I just couldn't get on to the Fassa train. But I just didn't have the legs either."
Matt White (Cofidis, 46th)
"The race changes a bit after today because Stuey's going home. We've got one guy in general but it gives us more latitude to do something, maybe take my chances."
Trent Wilson (Colombia-Selle Italia, 116th)
"Today was the calm before storm. Legs weren't that good but it was flat and easy. I'm happy with the change of rules for tomorrow. It was going to be a nine percent time cut but they've lifted it to 15 percent."
Rory Sutherland (Rabobank, 152nd at 1'27)
You looked good in yesterday's stage. "Yeah. I was just too slow for the front group and a bit quick for the bus. Wanted to see how would go yesterday seemed all right. Tired today, but things are going well."
It seemed as though things were fairly organised on that first climb: "Yeah, it was pretty well organised by the Aussies. I was quite content to do the pace they did today. It was a good day. We'll just see what happens in the next few days."
Russell Van Hout (Colombia-Selle Italia, 156th at 1'27)
Russell had a big smile on his face when we spoke to him at the finish, as he was worried about today's stage. "I was just so rapt they went easy up the climb. Feel much better now. It's such a nice day out there. Like I've got chance for the rest of the tour"
Matt Wilson (Francaise des Jeux, 182nd at 2'13)
"It was really easy today and pretty well another rest day. perfect up the climb, I just praying that some little Italian didn't cock everything up, but worked out well. changes after because Cookie's going home we've got no real tour team leaders left, no-one for GC, so a matter of survival. Maybe'll go stage or two, have bit myself, otherwise make to finish."
Bjarne Riis, team manager, CSC
“The stage unfolded like we thought it would, and we were able to control the peloton. The next two stages are very important, so it was nice to get a chance to save some strength today. I believe it will be possible for Ivan to put some pressure on his main opponents, so of course we'll try to attack should the opportunity arise,” said Bjarne Riis after the stage.
