It seemed romantic but also tragic - people would be winning but then lose it all, or crash but fight on, break bones but get back on their bikes and try to finish. Just getting to the end was seen as an achievement in itself.

I've been proud to be national champion.

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

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

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

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

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