Joaquim Rodriguez did not dodge questions about Luca Paolini when he was interviewed by BiciCiclismo on the Tour de France rest day. As he has already digested the bad team time trial and turned his attention to the mountains, the Catalan rider offered his view on the cocaine positive of the Italian rider.

"It is bad news, not for cycling but for his personal life. At the end of the day it fills us with sadness as it does for the whole peloton and everyone who knows him," he told the Spanish website.

"I just hope he recovers and I don't think it's a doping problem. It's a problem with his personal life that he has to solve. I hope he will get the full support."

Rodriguez also reacted to the news about Ivan Basso who has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

"I was with Alberto (Losada) in the room when I heard about it. I did not believe it so we checked the internet. Those are news that you never want to have and it hurts because he is not only a great rider, but a fantastic person. I wish him well and maximum recovery, especially in his normal life," he said.