Davis and co. just off the pace

By John Trevorrow in Blois

Allan Davis was part of the Liberty Seguros challenge that came in fourth yesterday, conceding 53 seconds to Armstrong's Discovery Channel team. "It was disappointing to lose by a small amount. It's a funny course: it was a straight tail wind for three quarters, and then a bit lumpy and twisty towards the end. Today's instructions were for short progressive efforts and then to lift the pace towards the end.

Last year, Manolo Saiz held you back until the team time trial, this year you've had more of an open slather. "I have come into the race a bit fresher this year. I think as the years go along I should get a bit better, hopefully I will keep progressing in a way that I have for the past couple of years."