The circuits (those final laps) were amazing. People were hanging out of the parking garages four stories high.

If I'm riding very strong and I have a chance to win, I have to show them I'm willing to give everything. They need to know I think I can win so they're willing to give their all to support me.

I heard reports last night that they might be expecting 50,000. I thought that was a little much.

I hope he stops by. It will definitely help and we need his help. He's done a lot for cycling. He's introduced the sport to many people. I think it would be great if he stopped by. Cheer me on.

I'm disappointed. I knew all along (Wednesday) was the most important day. But physically, I wasn't having my best day.

It's really a dream come true. I've been training all winter and dreaming about wearing that yellow jersey into my home town.

It will be like riding in the Tour de France. We've got hills, time trials, road races and wind. Of course, it's not as severe, but it's a mini-Tour de France, and it's in our back yard.

It's tough for guys like George, Horner and me to do anything because everybody watches us. But I told Fabian for the last three weeks that San Francisco has got your name written all over it!

It's going to be a moving postcard. The Tour de France needs to watch over its shoulder because this will be that big. I believe in it. Right out of the gate, the first year, they're going to have maybe the best field the U.S. has ever seen.

After the first two mountain stages people realized Lance was as good as ever.