Vansummeren happy

Unlike Lefevere, Davitamon-Lotto rider Johan Vansummeren seems to be enjoying this Tour. "We stopped for a coffee and that was a bonus, very relaxing," he said of the second rest day. "For me, a goal I set before the start was that I'd finish the Tour. I'd be very disappointed if I hadn't made it to the second rest day. I feel good still.

"It's been okay to room with Robbie McEwen here in France. The Australian press keeps ringing him at odd hours; because of the time difference Robbie is often still talking on the phone at midnight. But we've been getting eight hours of solid sleep, so that's been plenty. Robbie feels strong and he was okay yesterday, after having a bit of a lesser day on Saturday."

Besides helping Cadel Evans on the road to Paris, aiding McEwen is also important. "Obtaining the green jersey is definitely something we are looking at but it's no priority. I mean, anything can happen still, with Hushovd and O'Grady. They have had to dig deep for those intermediate sprints in all the stages, while Robbie was sitting back. They have used a lot of power and strength. So, if they have a bad day anything is possible.

"But to win on Sunday on the Champs-Elysees is a priority. That is something which can't go wrong!"