Pre-stage quotes
Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) "Yesterday was a tough day but I found a good group and got through it...
Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros)
"Yesterday was a tough day but I found a good group and got through it without too much drama. Today will be even tougher and I plan to get through it and leave something in the tank for the days coming up. I felt good the other day when there was a bunch sprint but I was too far back and just couldn't get into position to have a go."
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto)
How goes it Robbie? "I'm f***ed, like everyone else I suppose."
How did you go up the climbs yesterday? "Really rough, I had a very bad night after my stage win."
Too much champagne?
"Not enough, I had real problems with my guts, I hardly slept at all. I spent half the night lying in the foetal position. Yesterday I thought "how the hell am I gonna get through this?" Luckily it was mostly flat early on and a break went, so I didn't have to worry about the sprints. Last night I was till sore but I got a bit more sleep. I feel a bit better today, I got a bit of colour back. Yesterday all the boys said I looked a little gray but there is always someone who is a bit worse...like Maggie (Magnus Bäckstedt) who spewed up six times yesterday and still made the finish."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"Today is an interesting one with to sprints before the climb. I will just have to see what the field does and, if they are all together, we will have a sprint. The first sprint is after 37km and to be honest I am so bloody tired I hope a break goes away."
Simon Gerrans (Ag2R Prévoyance)
How you feeling mate? "What time of day is it?
About 11.00, why? "A bit early for red wine isn't it?"
I allus has one at 11. (hic!) "Yeah I was going pretty well yesterday until we hit that monster. I then just found a group and got through."
Looks like you will make it to Paris now? "Yeah we will see, today is the hardest day of the Tour. Get through that and I will just take it a day at a time."