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COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE
(21th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
Photo: Tim de Waele

.After seven years, I will hold on to the respect
of all the team


El Barraco, 22/09/2008


Podio Vuelta España 08
"There is time for all sorts of things to happen in 21 days of racing, with good times, moving times and hard times. And we can learn something from all of them. Every three-week challenge that I have undertaken throughout my sporting career has helped me to learn more about myself and has provided me with a series of skills. These in turn have helped me to progress and gain experience in both my sporting career and my personal life.

This year’s Vuelta a España has been tough in many senses, but at the same time, really nice in others. And I now have the overall feeling of having fought, made sacrifices and above all, of being rewarded with standing on the podium with two great cyclists - Alberto Contador and Levi Leipheimer.

The last days have been very moving as all the team knew that this is practically the last race that I will be able to share with them this year. There have been really happy moments, seeing another dream come true upon reaching the podium of another great tour, but there was also a feeling of sadness, knowing that I will not be able to share these feelings and moments in the same team as I have done for the last seven years.

And of all the times that we have shared over these past seven years, I will keep the memory of something very special: the respect and professionalism that everyone has shown towards me - my team mates, the assistants and everyone associated to the team. Above all, I will hold on to this feeling of respect that they have shown me and having been able to share really important moments together with them, both personal and professional.

That is what I would like to highlight from this year’s Vuelta a España, which will perhaps be Carlos Sastre’s last race sporting the colours of this team. ”.








COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE (20th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
Photo: Tim de Waele

.Holding on to the podium

Navacerrada, 20/09/2008


"Today marked the penultimate stage of this year’s Vuelta a España – a spectacular time trial made even better by the huge crowds that gathered to see us and the great weather.

It was a very important day for me as I wanted to keep my place on the podium. I also dreamed of securing a good position in this stage, which was pretty well suited to my abilities. It has been a tough and demanding time trial, but nevertheless it has given me the chance to maintain a good level throughout. It also made it possible for me to hold on to my third place in the general classification and to attain a good place in the stage.

All that’s left now is tomorrow’s ride in Castellana de Madrid and I'm going to bid farewell to this year’s Vuelta feeling happier and on better form than I did at the beginning ”.








COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE (19th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
Photo: Tim de Waele

.I’m glad to be here fighting for a place on the podium

Segovia, 19/09/2008


"Today’s stage was action-packed. High speeds were a main feature of today’s stage right from the start, as everyone could see, and we could also clearly see the different team’s tactics. As for me, although I wanted to protect my position and I didn't really want to try anything risky, I did tactically want to get my team mates in the break away to try some kind of surprise. They tried with all their might and I think they did a marvellous job, but the perfect opportunity did not arise for me to try something. I did try something at the final part of the Navafría pass but it wasn’t sufficient.

I think Astana and especially Caisse d’Epargne should be congratulated for their work today, they worked well and in terms of tactics, they have had a great race with David Arroyo's victory.

On a personal level, after having a really hard time in this year’s Vuelta de España, because of the reasons everyone is aware of, I have felt happy again on my bike today. I was suffering but at the same time enjoying it, and that is what has given me back the personal satisfaction that I get from competing. Above all, it has helped me to see the race from another viewpoint. I’m glad to be here and to continue fighting to keep this position that I have worked so hard to attain ”.








COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE (18th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
Photo: Tim de Waele

.Dreaming of a stage win

Las Rozas, 18/09/2008


"Today has been a more or less manageable stage, with high speeds and a lot of nerves right from the start. The wind accompanied us during most of the stage, but it was mainly head and side-wind so even though we were riding very fast, it would have been complicated to try for an echelon.

Two of my team mates took part in the breakaway today - Karsten Kroon and Iñigo Cuesta, so we are now dreaming of a stage victory before the end of the Vuelta and I think this could be the thing for tomorrow. On Sunday, we’ll try for the sprint with Matti Breschel again, after the second place finish he achieved yesterday.

Today was a manageable day for me, without any problems or complications, and I am holding on to my third place position. Tomorrow is an important day, with two mountain passes at Navacerrada and Navafría. We will also cycle near my home town, so I’m feeling a lot calmer and also really happy to have the chance to see some familiar faces and my family ”.








COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE
(17th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
Photo: Tim de Waele

.It’s been a short but intense stage

Valladolid, 17/09/2008


"Yesterday was a relaxing day and today has been pretty much the opposite. It has been a short but intense stage, with high speeds right from the beginning and a light wind which caused some stress and meant that everyone wanted to get in front, to avoid getting cut off and to keep clear of falls in the final part of the race.

As for me, I didn’t have any problems today. I felt protected by my team mates and we are building up a bit of strength again before the very important weekend ahead in this year’s Vuelta, where the podium positions will be decided, as will the rest of the general classification positions”.








COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE (16th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
Photo: Tim de Waele

.Everyone needed a day to relax

Zamora, 16/09/2008


"Today was relatively uneventful. It was a rather quiet stage. We were on our bikes for over five hours, which made for a long day. But nevertheless, after three mountain stages and a very dramatic start to the Vuelta a España, I think everyone was ready for a more relaxing day. It came at a good time, and no-one even seemed very enthusiastic about making an attack on the first rate climb. Later on, the route also had an effect on the stage, as the lack of side wind contributed to the feeling of calm in the heart of the pack. Today was a “day off” in inverted commas: we rode for 190 kilometres and were able to rest and look towards the future in this year’s Vuelta a España".







COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE (15th STAGE)


Carlos Sastre
® Photo: Tim de Waele

.I’ll try to keep my place on the podium

Ponferrada, 15/09/2008


"We saw a dramatic opening to today’s stage, with lightning speeds for the first 50 kilometres up until the breakaway, before being faced with a really gruelling route. There was hardly one metre on the flat and the route has definitely taken its toll on the whole pack.

After the two mountain stages in Asturias, we are gradually edging closer to the Castilla y León area where the roads tend to be a little flatter and where the wind could well make an appearance. Until then, it’s a question of getting through these days and charging the batteries as much as possible in the lead up to next weekend, to try and secure a place on the podium. Because, judging by the potential of my two mates up in front and the odd one chasing me from behind, I think it would be difficult to try for anything else.

I didn't have any problems today but I think it was an excessively hard stage, perhaps without any real purpose ".








COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE
(14th STAGE)


Carlos Sastre
 

.More enthusiasm than strength

Fuentes de Invierno, 14/09/2008


“The most important thing to take away from these last two mountain stages is that we have had two brilliant days. Especially considering that the weather has been on our side, with just the right temperature we needed in Asturias. This has allowed for two incredible stages in terms of the high speeds, the route and the huge number of people that have come to cheer us on at the start of the race.

On a personal level, the truth is that I’m not as strong as I could be. I have more enthusiasm than strength - but all the same, I've got through another important day. I would really like to congratulate Ezequiel Mosquera today, a guy who did great things in last year's Vuelta and who has given it his all again today to secure a good position in the general classification. His work today deserves to be congratulated, as he has raced intelligently and rode really well for himself and his team.

The Astana team were very strong today and controlled the race without any difficulties, consolidating their leadership and securing the first and second places in the general classification. They are now more confident about the coming stages and the future of this year’s Vuelta”.








COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE
(13th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
® PHOTO: Rafael Riancho

.Hats off to Alberto and his team

L’Angliru, 13/09/2008


“The most important thing for today is to congratulate Alberto and all his team. I think they have done a sensational job and Alberto nicely rounded off the great work that his team mates have been carrying out during this year’s Vuelta a España.

On a personal level, I didn’t feel at all bad during the race. I tried to stay in the leading group at all times, but the dynamite cycling of Alberto, Alejandro and Joaquim and other such riders, are making things complicated for me right now. So I just tried to climb at a steady pace right from the bottom, so as to lose as little time as possible and above all, to keep my options open in this Vuelta.

Tomorrow's stage will also be very demanding and I think the most important thing for now is to rest and be ready for tomorrow's stage and above all, the eight upcoming stages which are going to be really tough and gruelling from now on ”.








COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE
(12th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
 

.“I came in ahead and I keep moving forward”

Suances, 11/09/2008


“I’ve been known to say many times that the Vuelta a España cannot be won in one day, but it can be lost. Today’s stage, which in theory was intended to be ridden with the whole group, perhaps with the odd breakaway, turned out to be an incredibly fast, incredibly nervous and also incredibly dangerous stage. If you started to relax a little and weren’t in the right place, all your chances could easily have been dashed, as is possibly the case with Alejandro Valverde.

In my case, it has been a hard day and we got really cold, especially when cycling down the Lunada. It was not an easy stage at all, as the greatest differences were mainly made in the descents. But even so, I didn’t feel bad during the descents and stayed in the leading group throughout. When there was a breakaway from this group and everyone realised that Alejandro had fallen behind, two teams worked flat out to make the distance even greater. Consequently, I rode in with the best group, I came in ahead and I keep moving forward in this year's Vuelta”.








COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE
(11th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waele

.We've been able to charge our batteries
before the weekend


Burgos, 10/09/2008


“Today’s stage started very quickly. A breakaway of four riders then emerged and they were followed at a good strong pace throughout the rest of the day. It was hard terrain without one metre’s rest; we were continually climbing and descending but luck was on our side again, as a back and head-wind accompanied us from time to time. So it has been a manageable day in that sense, especially for those of us who are looking forward to the weekend stages. I think these two stages have been good for us to recharge our batteries to take on the coming days with better chances”.







COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE
(10th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waele

.A day to recover

Saragossa, 09/09/2008


“Today has been a relatively manageable day. Even though the wind was present, it blew head on and from behind, which helped to prevent the much-feared fan effect that causes very stressful moments in the pack.

Other than that, the team has tried to recover from the efforts of the last three days. I was backed by my team mates at all times, who made the stage easier for me and made sure that I stayed amongst the leading positions, as well as keeping a watchful eye on any moves made by the other teams. We only have two stages left now before the second rest day and we are all looking forward to it.

Tomorrow’s stage will be similar to today’s, in which a breakaway could well happen. But tomorrow the sprinter teams will control the race as they have few clear opportunities left for a sprint finish like the one tomorrow’s stage promises”.








COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE
(9th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waele

.Today’s stage was action-packed

Sabiñánigo, 08/09/2008


“Today’s stage was very fast and very difficult right from the start, with a lot of attacks until the breakaway, followed by a high-speed pace. Before setting out it seemed like a relatively straightforward stage, with a breakaway and nothing much else – and in the end a lot did happen.

The team has had to work fairly hard today, especially my team mates Iñigo Cuesta and Michael Blaudzun, in their efforts to help out Juan José Haedo. Haedo had a bad time of it today and we had to help him to get through the stage, so we had to work a little harder in that respect.

In the final part, we mainly tried to ensure that the breakaway didn’t get too far ahead of us and that we were all close enough to stop too many riders getting into the general classification.

Aside from that, we are still moving forward in this year’s Vuelta a España. We’ve made it through the Pyrenees stages, which have been hard and have affected the pack, and we’re now gradually moving over to the north of Spain, towards Suances via Zaragoza and Burgos – where the wind is bound to make an appearance”.








COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE
(8th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waele

.I’ve overcome a very difficult day

Pla de Beret, 07/09/2008


“I’ve overcome a very important Pyrenees stage, the second in these mountains. I didn’t feel like things were going badly throughout the day but, at the beginning of the final climb after the descent at La Bonaigua, I started to get cramps due to the speed that the climb was being taken. I didn’t have any other option but to find my own pace and get back into it. I managed to get back into the rhythm of things, warming my muscles up enough to start gradually pushing myself and to start gaining on the leading group - and above all, not to lose any time against the race's leading riders.

I think I overcame a difficult day in the final part of the stage, without losing time against the favourites and that is really important to me, because in all truth, when I was at the bottom of that climb I thought I was going to have a bad time.

The weather was on our side today. It was a lovely day and we managed to shake off the cold from yesterday's stage. I think the most important thing for now is to start recovering before tomorrow’s stage, which will not be easy at all and, well…there is still a lot of Vuelta a España to go”.







COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE (7th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waelle

.I lost some important seconds but still have my options open

La Rabassa, 06/09/2008


“We have finished our first day in the mountains. On a personal level, I think it went well. I was doubtful about this stage and above all, I wanted to be in the thick of it and not lose time against my closest rivals. I think I managed to get into the competition, I lost some important seconds, but it wasn't so significant as to lose options in the race. It has been a very really tough day, the temperature dropped considerably and we were rained on throughout nearly the entire day. The pace was fast and the constant head wind throughout the stage also made the race harder.

Today as a one-off, we were joined by Dani Pedrosa who rode along in the team car. It has been really great to be able to welcome another first-class sportsmen, one of the finest motorists in Spain. I think he enjoyed watching the race as he is also a great fan of cycling. We are really grateful for his visit and hope he will follow another stage with us soon ”.








COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE (6th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waelle

.“I’ve made it to the rest day with my chances intact”

Toledo, 04/09/2008


“I would say that today has been a high speed stage, not only because of the fast cycling from Ciudad Real to Lérida but also thanks to the AVE high-speed train journey from Toledo to the Lérida capital. In sporting terms, it has a been a very fast and agitated stage. This was undoubtedly due to the possibility of the yellow jersey changing hands, making the Cofidis riders work hard to defend Chavanel’s position. The wind blew in from the side and the back, especially at the end of the route, contributing to the high speed cycling and to the fact that riders reached the finish in Toledo sooner than expected.

On a personal level, I felt protected by my team mates. The aim of today was to get my strength back after the time trial and not to lose any time due to falls or any other mishaps in the last uphill climb before the finish. In the end we lost a few seconds in the sprint but I didn’t lose any time against my main rivals. I’m still ahead and we have reached the first rest day with the peace of mind of knowing that our options are still open to achieve big things in this year’s Vuelta.








COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE
(5th STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waelle

."I see a brighter future ahead”

Ciudad Real, 03/09/2008


“The overall feeling I have after today's time trial is a positive one. Today’s stage was something of a challenge for me, and above all I wanted to check my physical condition. I knew that I wasn’t in bad shape but today was an important test. Even though I found it tough to get into the time trial - the first part wasn't the best, I did manage to find a rhythm to my pedalling in the second part and the strength I needed so as not to lose any time, especially against my rivals. Now I see a slightly brighter future ahead than I did over the last few days.

This has not been an easy start to the Vuelta a España, but I think things are going to change from now on. Seeing the time trial results of my team mates has spurred me on, made me feel more enthusiastic and above all, they’ve conveyed a feeling of calmness that is essential in the team.








Carlos Sastre
© FOTO: Unipublic
COMMENTS BY SASTRE (4th STAGE)

.“Thinking about tomorrow’s time trial”

Puerto Llano, 02/09/2008


“Today has been a hard stage in which the blistering heat has taken its toll on all of us. It was a leg-breaking terrain, with hardly one metre on the flat and with side and headwinds blowing throughout pretty much the whole day. So it has been a very wearing day for everyone. In fact, these factors meant that the speed of the race was slower than normal as many of us are thinking about the time trial tomorrow. It is the first important test of the race for many of us and we wanted to save our energy and not exert ourselves too much before that stage.

Today I was involved in two falls but luckily I didn’t actually come into contact with the ground. In the last fall, I brushed against a wire fence which tore my shorts and caused superficial scratches. But all the same, it wasn’t anything serious and I got back without losing any time against my rivals, which was the most important thing for me in the lead up to tomorrow’s stage”.









COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE (3rd STAGE)

Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waelle

.“So far so good”

Córdoba, 01/09/2008


“Today has been a hot stage, as was predicted. We saw a breakaway from the Andalucía rider, whilst behind him the race continued relatively calmly up until the 50th kilometre. From there on, a constant pace has been kept up practically until the outskirts of Cordoba and the San Jerónimo climb, where there have been constant attacks, in order to make the race harder and to try and lose the sprinter teams. But at the end, we raced in a massive sprint and those of us who have our eyes on the general classification have tried to keep in there, without losing our options but without using up too much energy.

On a personal level, I think that everything is going well. There is nothing in particular to report on from today. I felt protected by my team mates and we made another small step forward in this year’s Vuelta a España.








Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waelle
COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE (2nd STAGE)
.“Valverde is on top form”

Jaén, 31/08/2008


“We have properly started the Vuelta a España now, with a normal group stage. The stage has been fast throughout and the wind, which blew head on, has accompanied us through practically the whole route.

It has been an easy and hot day and I think it has also been one of the wearing days in this year’s Vuelta. There was a little tension at the end, around the small pass 15 kilometres from the finish line, but nevertheless we've got through the day without any problems, and we have seen Valverde on top form, finishing as only he knows how.”









COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE   (1st STAGE)
.
Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waelle
“The team is really motivated”

Granada, 30/08/2008


Well, the Vuelta has finally arrived after two days of intense preliminaries. To be honest, I was really looking forward to start the competition to see what feeling I would get. And even though the team time trial stage was short, we have taken positive conclusions from it. The team is really motivated and enthusiastic and other than two minor errors we made, we are feeling satisfied with how the time trail turned out.

The atmosphere in Granada has been extraordinary, with loads of fans throughout the whole route. The affection they showed me was incredible, and even though I signed a lot of autographs and had photos taken with lots of people, I am sorry for not having been able to satisfy all the requests but I also have to concentrate on the preparation for the next stage. In any case, I would like to say a big thanks to all my fans for the encouragement and affection they have shown me. We will try not to disappoint you.




COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE (BEFORE THE START OF THE VUELTA)
.
Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waelle
Carlos Sastre: “I’m feeling as enthusiastic
as I was before the Tour”


Granada, 29/08/2008


We are just about to begin the Vuelta Ciclista a España. Today is the presentation day, another day to attend to the press and to tell them know how I'm feeling both mentally and physically before the Spanish tour.

Today we trained for around three hours. We tried to get a good training session in with the time-trial bikes to get used to the position we’ll be riding in the time trial tomorrow. Apart from the presentation, we used the rest of the day to recover as much as possible - at least that is what I did, after what has been a very intense month in many respects.

But nevertheless, I’m feeling as enthusiastic as I was before the Tour de France. I’m here with a strong, motivated team and that inspires my enthusiasm about the future.




The Olympic Games, second dream come true

02/08/2008

Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waelle

After winning the Tour de France, I’ve experienced a moving and totally unforgettable week. I could positively feel people’s affection at the different events that I’ve attended. People have shown this affection towards me in all the places I have visited, especially in the two receptions organised for me, both in my hometown El Barraco and in Ávila, the city where I live. These were two very special and unforgettable days for me and all my family.

Because of these events, the truth is that I've had little time to rest and train. It’s what I really could have done with in order to compete in the San Sebastian Classic with a little more energy and spark. I think this is all that was lacking, but you just can’t have it all. In any case, my aim for this race was to get some good long-distance training in before the Olympics.

Next week we’ll have enough time to rest, recuperate, train and be in proper conditions to race in the long-distance road race on the 9th. This race was my second goal for this season and I feel that I’ll arrive there better prepared than ever. I had put a lot of hopes on attending the Olympic Games. I think it is an unforgettable experience for any sportsperson. I have followed the Games on the television with great interest throughout my life and after hearing about the experiences of different sportspeople and friends, participating in the Olympics filled me with enthusiasm.

So the week ahead will provide me with the opportunity to experience what I have wanted so much. I feel incredibly happy to be able to attend my first Olympic Games.








COMMENTS BY SASTRE AFTER THE 20TH STAGE OF THE TOUR

I’m happy, content, calm and above all grateful

Saint Amand Montrond, 26/07/2008


Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waelle
Well, stage 20 has been the time trial of my life. I‘m not sure if it turned out how I had imagined but it did turn out how I wanted it to. I suffered so much during this time trial but I relied on the support of half of Spain, or rather all of Spain, and on all the people that love me and have always cared about me.

I think that all this support together with my enthusiasm to fight and make my dream come true, has helped me to hold on to my yellow jersey with a sufficient margin before the final stage in Paris in the Champs-Elysées.

I’m happy, content, calm and above all grateful to my team for their work during the entire Tour de France and to all those who have spurred me on with their messages of support and enthusiasm. This jersey belongs to the whole team and to all those who have fought side by side to make this happen.






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Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waelle
COMMENTS BY SASTRE AFTER THE 19TH STAGE OF THE TOUR

It’s my turn tomorrow

Montluçon, 25/07/2008


Today has been my second day in yellow in this year's Tour de France. It has also been a very fast stage. It was the last chance for many teams to secure a victory in this year’s Tour, meaning that the beginning of this stage was dramatic whilst the end was fast and tense. This final part saw two riders break away and gain a small advantage that allowed them to fight out the sprint for victory.

On a personal level, I didn’t have any problems. I felt the support of my team mates throughout the stage and tomorrow we’ll reach the most decisive point of this year’s Tour de France. Until now, the team has been behind me, helping me one thousand percent, but tomorrow it’s up to me. I'm feeling ready to assume the responsibility and to take on the race with the guarantees of the last days.





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Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waelle
COMMENTS BY SASTRE AFTER THE 18TH STAGE OF THE TOUR

I’m enjoying wearing the yellow jersey

Saint Etienne, 24/07/2008


This is the first time that I’ve worn the Tour de France yellow jersey and it’s been a really special experience. Above all, people have been discussing and recalling yesterday’s stage. It has been a really special day for me…

In terms of today’s stage, the start was raced quickly before the breakaway, and then we were able to ride with a little more peace of mind. The team has controlled the race throughout, so today I've enjoyed wearing the yellow jersey and I've felt really good. I’m pretty much recovered from yesterday and am already thinking about tomorrow’s stage and just how close we are now to Paris.





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COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE
AFTER THE 17TH STAGE OF THE TOUR

The jersey belongs to the whole team

Alpe d'Huez, 23/07/2008


Carlos Sastre
 
Carlos Sastre
© PHOTOS: Tim de Waelle
Today has been a very special day for me. It has meant seeing part of a dream come true, a dream I have had since I was young. After the amazing work of my team mates, I managed to attain this stage victory on one of the most important and legendary peaks of the Tour de France. Other than that, even though I have taken the jersey from my team mate, it really belongs to the whole team, as they have all worked to achieve it and keep it. I’m feeling really happy today.

I would like to thank everyone for all the messages and calls of support, a lot of which I haven't been able to reply to as it really has been a very intense afternoon. In these moments in the evening, I am preparing to relax and recover to be in good conditions for tomorrow’s stage. I would just like to thank everyone for having shared this moment with me, thousands of people who have enjoyed watching it on the television.




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COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE
AFTER THE 16TH STAGE OF THE TOUR

It has been a very wearing stage for us all

Jausiers, 22/07/2008


Carlos Sastre
© PHOTO: Tim de Waelle
Today’s stage has been a very fast one. The first 40 kilometres saw attacks until the break took place. From then on, our team managed to control the race intelligently and did a sensational job in the first climb and throughout the descent to Bonette. During the climb to this pass, we were badly affected by the strong headwind that was relentless all the way up the mountain. The team has shown their strength again and I think this stage has been very wearing for everyone.

We have taken a few steps forward and two riders amongst the top six have lost time. The most important thing was that Denis Menchov lost seconds in the descent.

Tomorrow will perhaps be the last chance to supersede Evans and Menchov and to gain some vital seconds before the final time trial.




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COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE
ON THE REST DAY

Carlos Sastre
We are glad to have all our options open for this year’s Tour

Fossano (Italy), 21/07/2008


The second rest day has much resembled the first. We had a press conference in the morning which was packed with journalists from different media. We are really pleased to have a yellow jersey under our belt and to have all our options open for this year’s Tour de France. Afterwards, we had a light breakfast followed by a two hour training session before taking it easy for the rest of the day.

My family was with me on the first rest day and on this second day of relaxation I received a visit from members of my fan club in Ghent (Belgium), who are going to accompany me and cheer me on through the Alps. Their faces were lit up with enthusiasm and happiness, I think we should always be thankful for this breath of fresh air, it really is important for me.

Apart from that, I tried to go unnoticed, thinking about the two mountain stages ahead and the rest of the stages which are so crucial for the final results of this race.



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Carlos Sastre
COMMENTS BY CARLOS SASTRE

AFTER THE 15TH STAGE OF THE TOUR

It has been a very
important day for the
whole team


Prato Nevoso, 20/07/2008


I would like to start today’s comments by talking about Óscar Pereiro. When you consider that he has taken a serious fall, I am glad that he his OK and only sustained a fracture. I really hope he recovers quickly and I am so glad that nothing worse came of it, as we all found the fall very shocking and to be honest, I think it has affected us all.

But nevertheless, the race continues and we all have to look forwards. After getting over the shock, we heard the news that Óscar was not in any danger, that he had only sustained a fracture and that other than that he was well. So we then focused on the race again and used the same tactics that we have applied from the beginning of the race - endeavouring to make the end as difficult as possible and trying to break the race up from the bottom of the final mountain pass.

I think that the team have raced another very important stage, showing that they are incredibly motivated, incredibly strong and above all, incredibly enthusiastic that both Frank and I can achieve something special in this race, it really has been wonderful. We tried to do this from below, backed by Andy Schleck’s sensational performance, which has made the race more difficult throughout the entire climb. We noticed that the leader was having difficulties and Frank raced to the finish to collect the yellow jersey that our team has fought so hard for.

On a personal level, I made several attacks towards the end of the race to make the race harder and to test how Cadel and Denis were doing. I saw that Menchov is going really strong and that Evans was having a bad time of it in the last part of the race. I made a go for it in the final part and managed to earn some vital seconds on these two riders, who are the two that remain in the fight and the two serious contenders for this year's Tour de France.

With regard to everything else, it has been a nice day for the team, a really special day and we are all happy at how the race has unfolded before the second rest day in this year’s Tour.



Standing Tour '08 »
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The audio version of this document is available in Spanish


 
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