I don't agree with Jan that he "couldn't hold a candle to Lance" - with the
crashes he had this tour, I feel Jan emerged as the best athlete, however,
Jan has always been the gentleman of sports:

23.07.2005/ Hi there,

I am going to stand on the podium in Paris! Well, barring an act of God
tomorrow. Today, it went as I hoped it would. Though, of course, it was
tough on Rasmussen the way things went wrong for him.

It is just a pity that I coudn't crown it with a stage win, but Lance was
just too classy again today. But 'Vino' and 'Guero' had already scored stage
wins for the team.

Yeah sure, we all came here on a mission to win the yellow jersey. That
didn't happen, and in one sense it's disappointing. But in another sense, we
can still be proud of the way that we we fought as a team in this Tour.

I am also pleased with my own Tour. Just getting to Paris and standing on
the podium, is something special after the crashes I suffered. Even without
crashing, I still don't think I could have beaten Lance. He is simply too
strong and you have to give him credit for that.

When he leaves cycling, we will be saying goodbye to one of the greatest
sportsmen of all time. With his physical and mental strength, his enthusiasm
and willpower, nobody - me included - was able to hold a candle to him these
past seven years.

He told me that, initially, he plans to leave his bike in the corner and
take some time out to reflect on what he wants to do next. I am sure,
though, that we hear from him again soon.

Let's see, maybe he'll tell me a bit more about his plans tomorrow. It is
pleasing that he has invited me to his victory- and farewell-party in Paris
tomorrow evening. I will use this chance to say: congratulations and all the
best, Lance!

There was also a little surprise for me today, when my girlfriend Sara
appeared in front of me at the stage start. I wasn't expecting her around
until tomorrow in Paris. But her presence gave me some extra motivation.

Tonight I am doing a live interview with Germany's top TV sports show. After
that, I will just look forward to the Tour d'honneur in Paris, the crowds
lining the roadside and our little team party.

Later,

Jan