Fabian Cancellara (SUI), First Place, Prologue

Team CSC

On today’s race:

“It was like being in the Tour de France out there on the course today. The last time I raced in front of so many people was in London last year. The Amgen Tour of California is a really great race. It is good for cycling. The race has had a great start in the past two years. I hope it continues like this.”

On winning the Prologue:

“To win the first race of the season wearing the Rainbow Jersey is a great experience for me, and for the team as well. It’s just amazing. I had hoped to be first today, and as a team, we hope to win the Amgen Tour of California.”

On the anti-doping testing:

“I think it’s important that all teams continue to fight. For the teams and sponsors, what they did last year and this year, this is what everyone has to do. I think the results show that we did the right thing. The biological passport is a good thing. We need cycling to go back to the way it used to be. We need to give our best on the road. I accept the rules and I’ll continue to do my best.”

Bradley Wiggins (GBR), Second Place, Prologue

High Road

On his second place finish:

“If somebody had told me this morning before the race that I’d finish second, I’d have been very happy. Fabian (Cancellara) is a great rider and it’s a great event. I’m very pleased.”

On the crowds:

“The crowds were phenomenal. It was great from start to finish; a wall of sound. We’re not really used to that in Europe. The crowds there aren’t always as supportive as they are here. Americans are 100 percent for everybody.”

Tyler Farrar (USA), Third Place, Prologue

Slipstream Chipotle Powered by H30

On his third place finish:

“I was pleasantly surprised with how well I did today. This race was good for me. I knew it was possible for me to have a good ride, and it was an honor to be on the podium with Fabian (Cancellara) and Bradley (Wiggins). Today’s finish ranks up there as one of my top-5 finishes. This was a fantastic day for our team, and hopefully a sign of things to come.”

On his first appearance in the Amgen Tour of California:

“This is my first time riding in Amgen Tour of California. It’s probably the biggest cycling event in American, and for me, as an American, it’s great to finally take part in one of the nation’s top races. I couldn’t believe the fans; it felt like one of the biggest races in the world. Every rider in Europe wants to come to this race. I can’t believe how lucky we’ve been with the weather. All the guys in Europe speak so highly about this race.”

Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR), Best Young Rider, Prologue

High Road

On his first professional race:

“This is my first professional race, so it’s a good start, and it’s good to start my season so well.”

On the today’s course:

“I liked the course. The first two corners went well for me. The straight was longer than I thought it would be, so I tired a little coming to the end, but I think it’s like that for every rider.”

On the crowds:

“The crowds were really good. There were a lot of people and it was fun to ride through them.”

Levi Leipheimer (USA), Amgen Tour of California Defending Champion

Astana

On today’s race:

“A prologue like this, combined with best riders in world, makes for a competitive day. I’m feeling good and looking forward to riding into my hometown of Santa Rosa – it’s going to be extra special.”

On the residents of Palo Alto (Prologue location):

“I would like to recognize the fans of Palo Alto for the support that me and my team received over the past few days. It has been quite amazing. To feel the energy of the crowd today was amazing.”

Jim Birrell, Race Director, Amgen Tour of California

On Palo Alto as the start city:

“Ten months ago, we came to Palo Alto and Stanford to start a dialogue about hosting the start of the Amgen Tour of California. Right away, we knew the energy level of the city and the University was a perfect match.”

Yoriko Kishimoto, 2007 Mayor of Palo Alto, California

On hosting the Prologue:

“Today was really awesome. I know that all the residents had a great time watching the race, and I’m really thrilled that we were able to bring it here. Cycling is great for everything, from the environment, to overall health, to quality of life. I hope that this event helps galvanize the area to double and triple the amount of cycling and walking. It was great partnership between the city, Stanford and AEG. The crowds looked really great, so I’m happy.”