By John Trevorrow in Les Essarts
Tom Boonen (Quick.Step, 1st)
"It is very important to win the first day for the trust of the team and for the green jersey."
Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto, 2nd)
"I just went too early. I hit the front 250 out and it was just too far. I tried to go as soon as we straightened up and I had a little problem with the gear sticking in the 11. It was a bit of a tactical mistake, but I virtually gave the other guys a lead out. I'll have to do better next time.
Cadel Evans (Davitamon-Lotto, 101st)
"I was fine in the bunch, I am a bit worried that there will be a time gap because the bunch split in the last kilometre. It was caused by a crash but it depends on how they interpret the rule I think. I was pretty happy with the stage, I managed to stay out of trouble, I was only in two crashes, nothing serious, so it wasn't a bad day." (laughing)
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r, 122nd, sporting new scar on left knee)
"I got caught up in a fall about 40 km to go. Actually I nearly avoided it and almost stopped just before the crash and then another guy ran into me from behind. I was pretty nervous out there today and the bunch was very skittish, but I feel pretty good and am looking forward to tomorrow."
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