Levi Leipheimer (USA)
Omega Pharma-QuickStep
Three-time Amgen Tour of California Champion
On the start taking place in Santa Rosa
"I remember the day we had the press conference in San Francisco. It was the fall of 2005 where we were announcing there would be a tour in California. I remember dreaming of that race that would one day assemble in Santa Rosa, and now seven years later, here we are. It has been phenomenal to watch the race develop and I am so proud to be a part of that in a lot of ways. Our community as a whole has made some stars and inspired the next generation of athletes and I am really proud of the race and our community who have worked really hard to make this possible."

On his current health and his recent injury
"My leg is a different story that has gone on too long. Some days are better than others. Recovery is not as good as you would hope, but in the end, there is not a whole lot that you can do. It's been a trying five and a half weeks. All I can say is in the end is -- I go to frustration, to suffering, to hurting, to feeling sorry for myself, to at least I am here able to enjoy life and this race. I have to keep reminding myself of that."

On making his decision on competing this year
"The thought of me not starting here in Santa Rosa; working along with so many great people to make a win happen, it just kills me. It's important that I show the team that I would not be a burden or a weak link because it's not fair to them. I wanted to show my team that I am here to compete. I am very relieved and happy to say that I will start in this race."

On whether his injury is a pain issue or performance issue
"It's more a performance issue; an injury like this pretty much shuts the leg off. I'm operating with less than 100 percent of power. I've worked really hard and I am really sick of icing my leg. With this in mind, I am just so happy to be a part of the event here in Sonoma County."

On how he has helped leap cycling forward for the young cyclists in today's world
"We've all done our best to help make this sport an inspiration for the next generation - they have already started kicking down the door. Tejay [van Garderen] has already shown he can battle the Classifications. I think that I can speak for Chris [Horner] and that we are not ready to quit the battle right now. It's a story of young versus old. Not sure how much longer we will be able to knock them down, but we're here to compete."

On racing for fitness or to win
"I've got to be realistic, it wasn't just broken, the bone was apart. I have only been training for two weeks but as professional athletes we were taught and engrained to reach for the stars. I've got to be realistic that I have not been training that much and it has taken me a lot of hard work to get where I am now after my injury. You should not count on me for the overall."

Tejay van Garderen (USA)
BMC Racing Team
On what it's like to be on the home team
"It's really special. I've just got to see the BMC service course and its right next door to a brewery."

On his team makeup and their approach this year
"We have a strong and well-rounded team of some climbers and "all-rounders" that will give [Tom] Boonen a little trouble in some of the sprints. I personally plan to do my best to achieve the highest overall."

On his thoughts for the upcoming Olympic team selection
"I don't know what the criteria are. There is a selection committee where they choose the best riders. I would think that the committee is diverse enough where there isn't any favoritism and they will select the best team to win the medals and represent the U.S.A."



Chris Horner (USA)
RadioShack-Nissan-Trek
Defending Amgen Tour of California Champion
On being the 2011 Amgen Tour of California winner
"It was a great win here in California. It has been amazing what it has done to my career overall. Additionally, people have started to recognize me off the bike which has certainly expanded knowledge of me and their expectations."

On his 2012 team
"The course is a little less ideal for my type of rider, but it also is the hardest course. I will miss the Sierra stage. I came here with a strong team and I am looking forward to Mt. Baldy."

On how he has helped leap cycling forward for the young cyclists in today's world
"I get out of bed a little slower, but as long as I keep winning I'm OK. It's really fun to watch the young kids and give them advice. Lance [Armstrong] has given my generation such inspiration. We have been blessed with that. Sooner or later these young guys might knock us off. However, we're a couple of old guys who are still gunnin' for the win. Once I'm on a bike, I ride it fast and that's all that matters."

Tom Danielson (USA)
Garmin-Barracuda
On his thoughts for the development of the Amgen Tour of California
"Amgen Tour of California has always been a big event for all of the teams I have been on. ATOC has always been a huge goal to compete in. I've seen the race develop over the years and has been a turning point in my career; it has given me the opportunity to stand up with my idols and be on the podiums. I'm really thankful for this race."

On his 2012 team
"This is a really huge priority for Garmin-Barracuda . We've been on the podium but never in a position to win overall. We have a fantastic team; we have a bunch of good riders."

On how he has helped leap cycling forward for the young cyclists in today's world
"Cycling is a lifelong sport. We are examples to the world that both ends of the spectrum can compete whether they're in their 20s or 40s. You can call out the difference, but let's be honest, we don't do anything different. We listen to the same music, we wear our hats backwards. In our minds, we think we're 21. It's just proof you can do this sport your entire life. Hopefully I'll be competing for another 10 to 15 years."

Vincenzo Nibali (ITA)
Liquigas-Cannondale
No. 2- ranked rider in the world (UCI)
On his thoughts for not competing in the Giro d'Italia
"Yes, this is my second trip to the Amgen Tour of California. It is difficult for an Italian to not compete in the Giro d'Italia. However, it is important for me to do my best and compete in this race. So I have to do it."

On his memories from 2009
"I have some great memories competing here in California. It may not be easy, but I hope to do my best in this coming competition."



Tom Boonen (BEL)
Omega Pharma-QuickStep
No. 1-ranked rider in the world (UCI)
On his team prepping for the 2012 race
"Most of the riders here are coming out of their rest period. This is the first competition out of the classics. We have only great memories here in California and the tour is very nice. I believe we will have three or four stages that suit me and not just two."