Stage Four Pre Race Quotes, Tour of California

Kim Kirchin, High Road

“It will be long stage and the weather isn’t so good, but we have to pay attention and try to keep control of the group and hope for sprint finish.”

In reference to his crash in stage three: “I’m OK. I suffered a bit yesterday, but it’s my first race, so it’s OK. My big objective will be the Belgian Classics, and then for sure the Tour.”

Taylor Tolleson, BMC

On his form and the team for stage four: “I feel pretty good, the team is riding very strong. The stage is a toss up for how it will unfold. We’ll try to get into the break and try to keep the KOM jersey.”

On his hot pink shades: “No story behind the shades, just trying to keep it fun!”

Mike Creed, Rock Racing

On recovering from his stage one sickness, and stage four predictions: “I feel better, but at the end we still rode 100 miles the past three days so I’m still tired. Today it will rain and there will be a headwind, so it will probably be a cold and boring day. But perhaps the headwind will turn to a cross wind, so it could become very exciting. If it comes into a bunch kick that’s good for Cipollini. I would like to try to get into an escape to kind of redeem myself. I’ve never been last overall in anything in my life, so that’s a new experience, so we’ll see. If they (team directors) give me the green light and the legs give me the green light, then for sure I want to show myself.”

Danny Pate, Slipstream

“I’m going to just try not to puke today! I’m feeling bad.”

Jurgen Van De Walle, Quick Step

On stage four: “We’ll decide in the race who to work for, but it depends on if other teams want to have a bunch sprint. If there are only two or three guys in front, then there is a good chance for a bunch sprint. If there is a bigger group away, who knows?”

On making the stage three podium: “It’s nice. Normally, you’re always working for the main guys. I was feeling good yesterday, so Lefevre told me to give it a go. It was very nice to come third and get the podium.”

Tom Danielson, Slipstream

On his back injury: “It’s OK, it’s going to take awhile before I feel better, but I’ll take it day by day and get a bit stronger each day. My fitness is good, but it’s taking me a bit of time to get back to speed. I don’t know, I’d like to go good in Paris-Nice, but if I have to wait until Georgia, then I’ll wait until Georgia. But one way or the other, I’m going to be stronger than I was last year.”

On racing in America and his adjusted early season schedule: “It’s great to be in America. I’m so happy that I was able to get my rehab back in time to race here!”