People do make mistakes and I think they should be punished. But they should be forgiven and given the opportunity for a second chance. We are human beings.

I've been proud to be national champion. I've really enjoyed it. I have very little opportunity to remind people that I'm British and it's a nice way of staying in touch. I'm going to defend it fiercely. I want to keep it.

In Italy it's full-on stardom when you're a cyclist - eating in restaurants for free, it's great.

I've been proud to be national champion.

Survival is the main objective. There are going to be some awful days, I know that from my background in the sport.

The manner in which one loses the battle can sometimes outshine the victory.

I was awarded 'Most Aggressive Rider of the Day', generally given to the most spectacular loser of the day.