By John Trevorrow in Gérardmer
Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros)
How is the corked leg feeling today? "It's a bit sore but it's alright. It gave me hell yesterday, but I just have to get through today and there is the rest day tomorrow."
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r)
"Yesterday, it was very hard. The stage was just flat out right from the start. I managed to stay there for 150km, but with the last climb they sprinted into it, and I just found my group, and just did what I had to do to get in without going too far into the red zone. Today is going to be much the same. It is a matter of finding the right level and getting in within the time limit."
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto)
"I have got some pain in my knee; some 'fat pads' and I went through 100km of pain yesterday. I got myself into a good group and that wasn't too bad. I felt fine in every other way."
Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole)
How is the Tour panning out for you? "Yes, okay, my goal was to win a stage, or at least one stage win, which I haven't done yet. I am only 5 points behind Boonen for the green jersey and of course this is a big objective."
Is Robbie McEwen out of the race for the green jersey? "Oh no, Robbie is too fast a sprinter to count out, but he will need Boonen or myself to have some bad luck. At this stage I am racing Boonen for the green jersey."
Tom Boonen (Quick.Step)
How are you feeling after your crash? "Yesterday was one of the worst days of my life. I was in a lot pain and I could only ride at 20 percent of my ability. I have had to bring my chiropractor over from Belgium and he worked on me last night and this morning. Now it's supposed to get better and I just hope I can get in on time today and not suffer too much, then after the rest day I can resume the battle for the maillot vert."
Matt White (Cofidis)
"Gee, I nearly started in the wrong shirt today. In the Giro d'Italia our shirts were the same design, but with some Italian writing and an Italian phone number. I must have had one sitting in the bottom of my bag and I put it on. Just before the start, one of the team officials noticed...a good thing. I would have got disqualified for that!"
As Matthew rode away to join the bunch on the start line, the crowd broke into a loud roar and Mattie gave them all a wave, knowing full well that the commotion was all for Lance, who was signing on behind him.
