David De La Fuente – “I started to see the possibility of a coup...”

“It was rather difficult at the start of the stage because our team has lot two riders in the first week who have sustained nasty injuries. At the same time, it began to go well with yesterday’s victory for [Riccardo] Ricco and I also felt better and better. In fact, the start of the Tour was very difficult because I am particularly uncomfortable in the cold and rain. Once the road is wet, I start to get a little frightened. That’s why I lost time in the early stages. _ “Today I felt in great form. With me, it’s all or nothing from one day to the next. Initially I started the attack to supply my team-mate who was in front, after that I started to see the possibility of a coup. Now I hope to keep the polka-dot jersey but I would also like to have a quiet day. Ideally this would be achieved by seeing an escape of more than four riders get clear so I don’t have to race to pick up more points.”