Stage 19 reactions:

Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto): "Sorry I didn't win it," Evans said to all his Australian supporters. "I did my best and I did what I could but it's only my third Tour so there's a few more good years left in me yet and let's try again next year. I'm not too disappointed. All along my aim was to do better than last year, when I came fifth. This year I'm second, but of course when you're so close to winning. Theoretically it's possible [to win], but let's digest today's stage first. Right now I'm thinking about going to the hotel, giving my wife a kiss and putting my feet up for a few minutes."

Hendrik Redant (Predictor-Lotto sport director): "They have numbers on their backs so there's still a race going on. But it's going to be much more difficult than today in a way because today was the day of truth I think, and tomorrow will be more of a play. But you never know, you can always take a few seconds but to take 30secs will be a lot - he has to win the race for that."

Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel): "I’ve never felt so good, I just felt awesome out there – I had all this energy. It was great for Discovery. I’m happy for Alberto. He’s the future star."

Carlos Sastre (Team CSC): "Once again I gave my very best and I'm happy with my time trial. I knew I probably wasn't able to improve in the general classification, but it was still important for me to show that I'm among the best riders in this race."

Kim Andersen (Team CSC manager): "It was a shame that Fabian had bad weather, but Carlos did a very good time trial and yet again confirmed he can be at his very best even in the final week of a very, very demanding stage race."

Kim Kirchen (T-Mobile): “I was able to keep up with the best. I’ve learnt a lot for the future in this Tour. Despite everything, there were loads of fans out on the course. This type of atmosphere makes it fun to ride here.”