Evans and Rogers look good in Gap

By John Trevorrow in Gap

Sunday turned out to be a very tough day in the office for the 156 cyclists left in the Tour de France.

"It was a real tough Tour stage out there today," Evans said. "When things started hotting up towards the end, I felt quite good and I thought I might have chance for a stage win. It was not to be, but it was an interesting stage nonetheless. I will enjoy the rest day and then the action begins."

Michael Rogers also looked well in control and finished in 25th spot. A very ill Stuart O'Grady nearly didn't start the stage, though, and it was only his dogged determination that got him through. "It was a terrible day for me. I was vomiting before the start and then during the early part of the stage. I was very close to having to stop," O'Grady said. "That was one of my worst days on a bike - in the top two, actually."

Simon Gerrans was also under a bit of pressure. "It was a real hard day – it was a shit day actually. I am looking forward to the rest day."