Thor Hushovd - "Today I had everything..."

“I know that when Cancellara attacks, you cannot let him get 20 meters because you’ll never see him again. In think, in the end, he realized that he could ride with the view of getting the yellow jersey back and also to help Andy with his cause. For me, it was up to me to play on what they were doing and make it work to my advantage – and go for the stage win.
“Every stage win in the Tour is special but this one is bit different – we’re here, near the Arenberg and that adds to the prestige a little.
"My team worked hard without being rewarded yesterday, but today I managed to win the stage and it's a great satisfaction. Yesterday, I did not agree with the decision to cancel the allocation of points, but this morning I said that it is already ancient history, and I totally refocused on the race. I have long noted this stage because I know my strength on the pavé, and I knew I had a chance to be a factor. So, I decided to 'go to war' for this stage. It’s not always so simple though because even the best plans can come undone in an instant on the cobbles. And you must be fit. Today I had everything.
“This is a first step for the green jersey. I know that for now, I'm glad I did what I did, and I still have the means to defend the jersey for long. My team is very strong, and I feel very fast, so I think I can still win other stages."