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

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

Often the best guys are just those that can suffer longer, who don't give up. And it's so easy to give up, when you're on a mountain and it's really hurting. We go through a lot physically.

I've been proud to be national champion.

To be brutally honest, it's simple economics. If they want to come into cycling, sponsors need to know the team they are funding is clean, otherwise the risk is just too great.

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

I shave my legs twice a week. It's hard the first time you do it. But I'm very lazy. For a team photo in December I just did the fronts.