2007 Stage 2 Quotes
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Post-Race Awards Ceremony Comments"The Amgen Tour of California showcases the state in the best possible way. We have riders racing from San Francisco to Long Beach. We have the most beautiful places in the world," declared Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on the victory stage after the race, where he helped present leader jerseys. "We're going to do this year, after year, after year because this is a great event."
Levi Leipheimer (Santa Rosa, California) General Classification Leader
Discovery Channel Pro Cycling TeamStage 2 Post-Race Comments
On the way the stage panned out
“We left Santa Rosa, there were a few attacks. Everybody was a little cautious because of Trinity Grade. Trinity Grade turned out to be quite a tough climb, actually. I was trying to stay at the front (of the peloton), but there were some riders that were dropped for awhile. But it came back together and… we came out into the valley and there was a lot of cross-tailwind, which is the worst, because the race can really ignite. I’ve never been part of a team that’s as strong as Discovery Channel, and I was quite impressed by the way they handled the situation. They really dictated the pace, they knew when to slow down and keep everyone calm, and when to speed up for our own benefit, and they did that perfectly."
“I’m just taking it day by day. That’s all we can do because there are a lot of very good riders out there that are just waiting in the wings, and our team has had to do a lot of work. But it’s worth it because we get to lead the Amgen Tour of California, and I get to wear the yellow jersey. But we’ll see because tomorrow’s a decisive stage (because of the notorious Sierra Road climb approaching San Jose).”
J.J. Haedo (ARG) Winner, Stage 2 (was ‘discovered’ when he won two stages of this race last year)
Team CSCStage 2 Post-Race Comments
On the finale
“I was on Stewie’s wheel (Stuart O’Grady, his team-mate), he was in about fifth place coming around the last corner. When I saw the 300m sign I told him go, so he went (led me) from probably 350(m) to 200 to go. When I went, I probably opened a gap and was lucky to keep it.”
On recognized sprinter Stuart O’Grady as a teammate
“Good thing he’s on my side so I don’t have to race against him. On the lap before the final one, we were back in about 60th place, but he was really calm and that made me calm too so we didn’t have to do anything crazy to get in the front.
On the difference between yesterday’s finish and today (and tomorrow)
“When I started my sprint yesterday I had to brake and I lost my momentum. It was crowded, and somebody moved in front of me. Sometimes that happens. There was not time to recover… We had a hard day yesterday and put everything into today for the win. I’m sure tomorrow everyone is going to make an even bigger effort to bring me to the line. It’s a good thing to win a race here because it gives the team confidence in me.
On his future as a sprinter
“I am in really good form now. I had a very good training camp with the team recently. I am taking it one step at a time.
“It’s going to be a good combo for the season. You have the CSC jersey and you get a little respect for that so you have to use it. Every team has a different strategy… My job is a lot easier than before, I just have to follow him (O’Grady) and make sure I don’t lose my win.”
Christophe Laurent (FRA) Most Aggressive Rider Winner
Credit AgricoleStage 2 Post-Race Comments
On his 80-mile breakaway
“I had very, very good form today, but the riders with me were not so strong. I went hard going up the first King of the Mountains climb, and I got away from the other two riders and then I waited for them on the other side. When we regrouped I realized that we probably were not strong enough as a group to stay away. But it was a great day, and I really enjoyed myself. This was a really beautiful stage today, and there were so many cheering fans out watching the race in every small town and village. When I was on the Trinity Grade climb, it felt like I was in the Tour de France!”
Thor Hushovd (NOR) Stage 2, Third Place
Credit AgricoleStage 2 Post-Race Comments
On the sprint to the line “It was very fast, and O’Grady had a good lead-out for Heado, and when he jumped of course I couldn''t keep his wheel. He was very strong today. I’m just happy that I was up there. Matt Hayman did exactly what I asked of him, but not only at the finish, they looked after me all day and made sure I didn’t have to ride in the wind, so hats off to the guys, they did a good job.”
About the Amgen Tour of California
“So far it’s a really good race. I like the racing here in America. You saw the crowds, it was really good. It’s really well organized, and so far, so good.”
Mike Sayers (Sacramento, California) Second Place Stage 1
BMCStage 1 Post-Race Comments
On his hometown
“I just want to thank Sacramento for having the race here...This is a great day for me and for bike racing. [tearful]
“Sacramento is a good cycling town and I always knew this town would be supportive of cycling. I knew that everyone would turn out in tremendous numbers, and they made us proud today.”
On his disastrous entrance to Sacramento, which involved a collision with a roadside pole
“I made a mistake, I got it wrong. It was my own fault. We were ready to enter the (finishing) circuits. I tried to give a pole a kiss!
“It’s not the way I wanted it to end up of course. I’m disappointed because I didn’t get to show my best to all of the people that came out to watch me today. It is one of the most emotional days I’ve had.”
