Sourse: Velonews.com

AC: "My authentic rival is Andy Schleck. Looking at the time trial, it's better for me than last year. This Tour is better for me than last year, especially with a stage finish atop a climb so difficult as the Tourmalet.
If I have good laeg, I can take out a lot of time in the mountains going into the final time trial. Astana was the most-watched team during the past year. We have nothing to hide. I don't have any problems. I hope to be the leader of the team, but I'm still don't know where I'm going to be racing. Concerning a rivalry with Armstrong, I don't see it like that. I see Andy Schleck, myself and Armstrong as a favorites. I won't look just to Lance, but rather watch all my rivals."



AS: "At first glance, the entire Tour looks hard. The first week with the classics-type courses will require special attention. The second week, we're already in the mountains with the Jura and Alps. Those stages will be harder than they look on paper. And the third week is brutal. Tourmalet is a classic, big climb, which I like better anyway. The final time trial doesn't suit my abilities, but I'm improving and I will have to adapt. Contador will be the man to beat."



LA: "I think it's going to be a lot more open than last year. There isn't the team time trial and a lot of guys will be missing that. I was one never to say this Tour is harder than another.
They're always hard. And the strongest rider always win. (The rivalry with Contador) is good for cyclin, but honestly, I think he and I could do without it. It's good for the events. The biuldup to the Tour, in April, May and June, will be really intense. I think the Schleck brothers will be good and I think Wiggins can come back."