Pre-stage quotes

Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros)

"Yesterday was a tough day but I found a good group and got through it without too much drama. Today will be even tougher and I plan to get through it and leave something in the tank for the days coming up. I felt good the other day when there was a bunch sprint but I was too far back and just couldn't get into position to have a go."

Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto)

How goes it Robbie? "I'm f***ed, like everyone else I suppose."

How did you go up the climbs yesterday? "Really rough, I had a very bad night after my stage win."

Too much champagne?

"Not enough, I had real problems with my guts, I hardly slept at all. I spent half the night lying in the foetal position. Yesterday I thought "how the hell am I gonna get through this?" Luckily it was mostly flat early on and a break went, so I didn't have to worry about the sprints. Last night I was till sore but I got a bit more sleep. I feel a bit better today, I got a bit of colour back. Yesterday all the boys said I looked a little gray but there is always someone who is a bit worse...like Maggie (Magnus Bäckstedt) who spewed up six times yesterday and still made the finish."

"Today is an interesting one with to sprints before the climb. I will just have to see what the field does and, if they are all together, we will have a sprint. The first sprint is after 37km and to be honest I am so bloody tired I hope a break goes away."

Simon Gerrans (Ag2R Prévoyance)

How you feeling mate? "What time of day is it?

About 11.00, why? "A bit early for red wine isn't it?"

I allus has one at 11. (hic!) "Yeah I was going pretty well yesterday until we hit that monster. I then just found a group and got through."

Looks like you will make it to Paris now? "Yeah we will see, today is the hardest day of the Tour. Get through that and I will just take it a day at a time."