2007 Prologue Quotes
Levi Leipheimer (Santa Rosa, California) Stage Winner, General Classification Leader
Discovery Channel Pro Cycling TeamPrologue Post-Race Comments
Tell us about your ride.
“I didn’t feel my legs. I was obviously super-motivated to win today. Everybody came back and told me about this headwind, that the wind had changed, and a I think a few years ago that might have affected me, but I just told myself ‘I have to win today,’ and I knew exactly the pace I had to go, and Johan (Bruyneel – his team manager) did an awesome job… he knows exactly what to say behind me. I was like, four, maybe five seconds ahead of George (Hincapie) at the bottom of the climb, and I knew I had so much left. I really saved a lot and then before halfway up the climb, he told me I had ten seconds. I knew that was enough to win. It hurt, but I did it…. This means I will get to ride into Santa Rosa (hometown) wearing the Amgen Leader Jersey.”
Shawn Hunter
President of AEG Sports, presenters of the racePrologue Post-Race Comments
"I want to thank the city of San Francisco for having us back, they are an amazing host. As we launch America’s most important cycling race, we give our commitment to the million-plus spectators who will witness our event, the more than 100 million who will tune in on TV and to our Web site and 144 of the best cyclists ever, that not only will we present a first-class race but we will stay focused on making the Amgen Tour of California a race as respected worldwide as the Tour de France and other Grand Tours.”
George Morrow
Executive Vice President, Global Commercial Operations, AmgenPrologue Post-Race Comments
“Our mission is to serve patients. Since our founding in 1980, Amgen has used the power of pioneering science to fight serious illness. The Amgen Tour of California sponsorship provides us with opportunities to raise awareness of the many medical advances made possible through biotechnology, and to provide additional support to people affected by cancer through our Breakaway from Cancer™ initiative.”
Patrick Dempsey (Grey’s Anatomy)
Spokesperson, Amgen’s Breakaway From Cancer InitiativePrologue Post-Race Comments
“I'm excited to be in San Francisco to help kick off the Amgen Tour of California as part of my participation in the Breakaway from Cancer initiative. Just as it takes a team approach to win a professional cycling race, it takes a team of health care providers, caregivers and supporters to beat cancer. The Breakaway from Cancer initiative connects people affected by cancer with services and programs that make a difference.”
Jason Donald (Winter Park, Colo.), Second Place and Sprint Classification Winner
Team Slipstream Powered by ChipotlePrologue Post-Race Comments
Tell us a little about your background.
“I used to be a collegiate runner and did a 3:52 for the 1500m. Then, I took up mountain biking and two years ago started road racing as a Category Five racer. The Slipstream team picked me up after I won a stage at the Tour of the Gila last year.”
So how about today?
“I look back on the ride, and it’s sort of a blur. I knew that Levi’s time wouldn’t hold up from last year. I knew it was going to be much faster. You all know anything’s possible. I can't believe I'm second to the leader’s jersey in the biggest race I’ve ever done. There’s those times when it just all comes together. It’s hard to believe that Levi Leipheimer has to worry about me!”
Ben Jacques-Maynes (Berkeley, Calif.), Third Place
Priority Health Presented by BissellPrologue Post-Race Comments
Tell us about your ride.
“I have to say that coming into today I was really motivated…I really wanted to come out swinging. It was pretty hard. I rode this race last year and improved on that time, so I’m pleased about that. It’s a big shock to the system to make such a violent effort so early in the season. I grew up in this area and have raced in this city a lot. It is an honor and a privilege to race at a world-class event like this in front of such a great home crowd. Every single cheer helps. Also, I had a couple of friends that ran alongside the course on the steep hill. That helped a lot... Riding to San Jose is going to be a really good time because I know every inch of those roads.
Taylor Tolleson (Santa Cruz, California) Best Young Rider
Team Slipstream Powered by ChipotlePrologue Post-Race Comments
Tell us how it is for you and your team to be in this race.
"I think it was a really good day for the team. I think there are more young riders getting involved in the sport. You couldn’t ask for any better conditions, I don’t think. It seems like when fans are cheering out there, I feel a little bit more at home. I think it’s great (the amount of American riders) for the sport and the Amgen Tour of California. There are a lot of the world champions and top guys here this week and I’m really excited to have the opportunity to race with them."
David Zabriskie (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Team CSCPrologue Post-Race Comments
Are you surprised to hear that a kid named Jason Donald has come in with a time of 4:50?
“Not really. That’s the way cycling is, people take this race very seriously. It’s a good opportunity for him to show himself.”
Your time of 4:59 is very similar to last year’s time. Can you draw a comparison to how it felt last year?
"A year ago I was much more nervous and dropped my chain. This year I tried to keep it in the big ring as long as possible. The second left turn, where it got really steep, I thought, 'I’ve got to shift because it’s going to be impossible for me to stay in the big ring on this climb!'”
Jim Birrell
Amgen Tour of California Race DirectorPrologue Post-Race Comments
“I could not be any prouder to be sitting next to Jason (Donald). It was an unbelievable day to be here and to be a part of this event.”
Jonathan Vaughters
Team Director, Team Slipstream Powered by ChipotlePrologue Post-Race Comments
“We’re pushing toward becoming one of the largest teams in the world. I’m hoping that the Amgen Tour of California will become as big as the Tour de France and we’ll be doing two big stage races per year...”
Charlie Wegelius (GBR)
Liquigas Pro Cycling TeamPrologue Post-Race Comments
What is your impression of this event?
“The organization is on the level of the very best events in the world. There are very enthusiastic people in the crowds in the USA, and that’s what it takes to make a successful event. Cycling in the US has a big future.”
