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

I'll go [racing] until my body won't let me any more. Someone said to me: "The day you stop, you won't be able to get back on the same way as when you did as a pro." I want to delay that kiss goodbye as long as possible.

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

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

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.

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

The first time I rode a bike I was four or five. I crashed into the back of a car.