Now there are two or three teams who are very ethical in their outlook who have opened up the economic benefits and that is probably going to be a turning point in the sport.

I had grown used to getting a pat on the back and being told after a good result: 'Well done, David - you should be happy, you're the first clean rider.

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

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

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

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've been proud to be national champion. I've really enjoyed it. I have very little opportunity to remind people that I'm British and it's a nice way of staying in touch. I'm going to defend it fiercely. I want to keep it.