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 think cycling has always had a tradition of being a bit dapper, especially back in the day.

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

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

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.

I'm an accumulation of every single thing I've done, good and bad.

But human nature dictates that there will always be cheaters. That's inevitable. Where there's money involved and glory, there are going to be people that cheat, and there will always be ways to cheat.