Andy Schleck – “Today didn't cost me energy...”

“As soon as the Saxo boys go to the front there’s always panic in the peloton. For me, I’d rather take command of the race and ride like that than get caught behind when there’s a cross wind. I just said, ‘Okay, now we go…’ and with 15km to go we gave it everything. It was not to split the peloton, rather it was to stay out of trouble in the tricky downhill leading to the finish town.
“Tomorrow ends with a hard climb and I’ll be in front and try to gain some extra time. Who knows, if there’s a chance that I can win another stage then I’ll try to take it.
“Today didn’t cost any energy. It was actually a pretty easy day. I had the team surrounding me and, in the end, we went fast and I just wanted to come in safely.
“I expect Contador to attack on the final climb tomorrow but I also believe I can match him. It will be quite similar to the stage up to Morzine-Avoriaz, and there’s a possibility to make a difference. I’m focused on tomorrow’s stage. I like that climb up to Mende. It’s quite steep and hard. If I have the punch that I had a few days ago, I think I can still manage it well – or at least not lose time and maybe even gain time – and maybe win the stage. And the yellow jersey? Well, I have to keep it. There’s no option for that.”