Race Reactions

Monday's second stage of the Tour de France ended in the chaos of a mass sprint, won by Aussie expert Robbie McEwen (Lotto). Here, in their own words, are the emotions and reactions of all those who animated today's race.

Eurosport

Image credit: TNT Sports

ROBBIE McEWEN (AUS / Lotto-Domo) -- Stage winner

"Everybody said at the Giro d'Italia that Alessandro Petacchi couldn't be beaten. But here at the Tour it's a different story. There are a lot of other stronger teams here and they're prepared to go over the top of Fassa Bortolo."

"[Petacchi] is beatable. Everybody's beatable. It just has to be the right circumstances."

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Asked to describe his favourite sprinting conditions: "Any sprint I win is one I like."

THOR HUSHOVD (NOR / Credit Agricole) -- New yellow jersey

"It still hasn't sunk in. I'm going to give it some time, to try to wrap my brain around the fact the yellow jersey is really on my shoulders."

"I still want a stage. I've finished third and second. All that's missing is a first place. But for now, this yellow jersey will do just fine!"

ERIK ZABEL (GER / T-Mobile) -- 7th on stage

"I tried my best in the sprint, but I just couldn't cut it. I was on Petacchi's wheel, but we weren't up to speed. Neither of us."

"But I'm not worried. My time will come."

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