The guys who want to be successful in the summer can't be flying in February. The riders whose minds are set on July (the Tour de France) probably won't be at their best (at the Tour of California).

252

There are no pure, pure climber's stages, no 10-mile, 14-percent brutes. And there are no bone-flat sprinters' stages, either.

199

Radio is changing dramatically. This feels like the loss of a friend that you knew you could always count on and now they won't be there.

197

We always put a lot of pressure on ourselves; I mean we never go into a race looking to [do] anything other than win and this is no exception. We've been in the area, checking all the different climbs and hazards that may surprise some of the teams in the middle of the race. We'll be ready for this race.

190

Though we are more of a sprinting team, we have sprinters who can get over the hills. I figure the winner would be someone other than a typical GC rider.

177

There is no real plan. We're more concerned with winning the race. This race is too difficult to say 'we're 100 percent working for this guy.' There are too many factors. If we can get the jersey, great. If we can win the bike race and not get the jersey, great. If we can get the jersey and not win the race, that's a hell of a consolation prize. We'd be happy with either scenario.

152

Every one of the (16) teams is stacked with talent. The teams that take the race seriously -- those who take the time and effort to check out each stage ahead of time -- will have the best success.

128

There are 10-20 names that have the fitness to win the race, and Chris would have to be one of them. Chris is just a big engine, a locomotive, a diesel ... with long femurs and huge quadriceps who has the horsepower.

109

It makes good business sense, but I don't like it. Those stations were the cornerstone of this community.

104