Oscar Freire, (Rabobank) - stage winner
"Today was a lottery just as the other days. I started at 300m of the line, and just pushed through. I was well-placed to do it. This victory is very important for me and for the team."
Asked what the team's objectives were this year, Freire replied, "I think we have riders for the general classification and the most important thing is to do well in that competition. Of course, if we win stages on top of that, it's even better. But we have two riders, Rasmussen and Menchov, who will hopefully make a good overall placing."
Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) - second
"I'm happy - it wasn't a perfect sprint but that was my fault. In the last 400 metres, Marco Velo was pulling in front, and I started my sprint, but Steven (De Jongh - ed.] starts too... I yelled at him but he didn't hear. At that moment, you have to stay calm and wait for Steven's sprint (to end), and then do my own. That's when I lost."
Did you start too early with your team? "No, it's a strong team... I'm really happy with my guys, they're so strong to do these long stages every day, control like they have... I'm happy."
On his explosiveness, he said, "It's there, but I'll wait a little longer [for a victory]... I have the yellow jersey, which uses a lot of energy, too, but it's such a beautiful jersey!"
