I feel powerless to not be able to defend my world title, ... I'm frustrated because it's one thing to miss the world's if you're not in shape or strong enough, but it's another because of injury. These things happen in cycling and unfortunately I've become accustomed (to being sidelined with injuries).

204

My Rabobank team controlled the stage very well today. I was in a good position in the sprint and so I went early, but it was a bit too early and Petacchi beat me.

182

I won today because all the hills during the stage made it a hard day's racing and so the other sprinters were tired.

168

I haven't won the race until tomorrow's last stage but if we finish all together in another sprint, it'll make it easier.

109