I might have changed, but that did not mean the sport had.

Cycling is such a stupid sport. Next time you are in a car travelling at 40mph think about jumping out - naked. That's what it's like when we crash.

If you're not at the front, you're not in the race.

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.

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

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.