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Interviews
Floyd Landis - "I’ve been consumed by this race..."
He finished third in the penultimate stage but Floyd Landis earned the prize that matters most in the Tour de France on the eve of the final stage. He had to finish 30 seconds ahead of Oscar Pereiro to reclaim the yellow jersey. Believing in your abilities is one thing but overcoming inspired rivals was what the American Phonak ride achieved in fine style in the final time trial.
“They really made me work for this jersey. We’ve seen so many times at the Tour that when the yellow jersey is on the line, the rider wearing it can be inspired. I’m confident in my ability in the time trial but when it comes to a race like today nothing is a formality.
“It’s wonderful to win this race and it’s something that I feel is a real honor to do.
“I’ve said many times that I was pleased to ride alongside a seven-time winner; I was there three times but today gives me a whole new sense of confidence. I honestly can’t find the words to tell you how I feel.
“I don’t know what comes next. I’ve been consumed by this race but I’m sure there’ll be plenty of things for me to do once it’s all over.
“To whoever was watching, thanks for the support: hopefully it was exciting for you because it was a bit stressful for me.â€
Oscar Pereiro – “Finishing second is something I’ll always cherish…â€
The yellow jersey has been known to transform good riders into great ones. Oscar Pereiro earned the overall lead in the Tour de France thanks to an escape that gained over half an hour on the main favorites and he fought with all his might to keep the prize until the final stage. He finished fourth in a long time trial and will end the race a happy man.
“I may not be wearing the yellow jersey but believe me, I feel good. I’ve finished second in the Tour de France. After riding a 57km time trial and still being in this position… it’s special for me. It’s a great day for Floyd Landis he was very good and I’m happy for him.
“I don’t know how I’ll feel tomorrow. Normally it’s a day to celebrate the champions of the Tour and I think I’ll enjoy the moment in the stage to Paris.
“After the tough days that I had in the Pyrenees, finishing second is something I’ll always cherish. It’s a win for a team which always believed in me. I got into a move hoping to win a stage and ended up gaining more than 30 minutes on the favorites. It was a surprise but I’m going to savor the moment. It’s a great occasion.
“I knew what times I had to beat in the time trial and, as I said before, the plan was to go to my limit. I did that and fourth in the stage is good for a rider like me.â€
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Saturday 22 July 2006 
