Luc Alphand

I expected today's stage to be drier than yesterday, because of the slightly higher altitude. The important thing was to read more

I expected today's stage to be drier than yesterday, because of the slightly higher altitude. The important thing was to stay in touch with the leaders without taking any risks and dropping too much time. It was a good day for me.

I knew I had a great chance to win. The team worked so hard on the development of our car read more

I knew I had a great chance to win. The team worked so hard on the development of our car and I think over the 15 days we were the better all-round outfit. It's a fantastic feeling to win the Dakar. I experienced many highs and lows in my skiing career, but this is so different.

It was a big advantage to be first on the road.

It was a big advantage to be first on the road.

I have mixed feelings about these long European stages. Unlike some of our rivals we had no problems with the read more

I have mixed feelings about these long European stages. Unlike some of our rivals we had no problems with the windscreen misting over when it rained in October. But I think the problems could arise tomorrow if it rains. If it is really muddy on the second stage it could be dangerous; if you slide or lose traction, that is where the problems begin.

Carlos had a puncture and I was in his dust for a time. Then he caught me and we let read more

Carlos had a puncture and I was in his dust for a time. Then he caught me and we let him passed. Then Hiroshi came back at me and we were all running closely together until I collected a rear-right slow puncture and that cost me the chance of winning the stage.