I think Linus would've liked to stay on with the team next year, but I don't feel it would be feasible for us to invest a lot of time and effort in a young talent who's already got one foot out the door. We gave him a contract offer for 2007 and 2008, but another team out-bid us. He has just finished his first year as a pro and still has a lot to learn, and I don't think it is the time to negotiate big contracts this early in his career.

It's certain that the Alps are going to be the decider.

He has a very nice position on the bike, which makes him go very fast. I wouldn't say it's the best position in the sport, but it's absolutely one of the best.

Jakob is in his best shape ever and rode a really amazing world championships. It was a shame the break didn't last all the way, because I think he could've been the new world champion. He had the legs for it today that's for sure. The course wasn't hard enough, but it turned out really exciting towards the end - especially thanks to Jakob, who truly showed class out there. When the riders were together in the end, it was in the cards for Boonen to win and he is definitely a worthy champion.

To have CSC here is very important because we have an American sponsor, ... This team has a certain image, and it's important to show it over here (in the United States). ... And bringing Ivan here really brings out our image. He's the main man here in the race.

First of all, he's able to ride faster than most of the others.