I like my hands. Which is lucky as I have to spend all day looking at them on the handlebars.

I've been proud to be national champion.

Now there are two or three teams who are very ethical in their outlook who have opened up the economic benefits and that is probably going to be a turning point in the sport.

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

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

I had grown used to getting a pat on the back and being told after a good result: 'Well done, David - you should be happy, you're the first clean rider.

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