Some of the big names give their thoughts after first mountain finish
Vincezo Nibali (Liquigas Cannondale), 4th on stage at 7 seconds, 3rd overall at 16 seconds:
“I’m satisfied after this first test. On the map it seemed quite easy but Team Sky’s high rhythm made it harder. I had only to follow their wheels and in the final straight I had no chance to sprint, even if I wanted to try. I’m honest, I didn’t expect such a strong selection in the group and compliments to Team Sky for their job.
For my part I’m satisfied both for the performance and with the gap over the other contenders. I showed that I can be competitive and the same with my team: we managed the race in the best way during the first week and I’m sure we can do the same in next two.”
Peter Sagan (Liquigas Cannondale, Maillot Vert leader) 120th on stage at 12 mins 1 sec:
“Vincenzo [Nibali] has moved up to third place in the general classification and this is good for our team. Also, after the intermediate sprint I decided to take it easy and I came up the finish relatively easily but not trying to stay with the leaders.
“I’m not sure what Nibali has to do now to beat Wiggins. The Tour de France is a very long race and Vincenzo may get stronger in the second and third weeks.”
Denis Menchov (Katusha) 9th on stage at 50 seconds, 5th overall at 54 seconds:
“Since it’s the first mountain stage I’m quite satisfied with my performance. The team worked great, I felt the support of my teammates during the whole stage. I had good feelings and good legs: still, the first mountain stage is always hard because it’s difficult to find your own best rhythm.
“In fact, in the last two kilometres I decided to let the others go and maintain my own pace, also because this ascent wasn’t really suited to my characteristics. Anyways, the ‘Tour de France’ has just began, it’s still very long and until now I can’t complain about my performance”.
Michele Scarponi (Lampre_ISD), 25th on stage at 2 minutes 5 seconds, 31st overall at 4 mins 38 seconds:
“The bruises that were caused by yesterday’s crash gave me pain during the stage, after a night in which I could not sleep well. Sky imposed a very demanding pace, I could not follow them in a tough section [of the climb], so I chose to set a lower rhythm, trying to limit the gap.
“I hope the pain will stop soon, in order to try to make some move in the stages that could suit me better”.