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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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