Cycling is based so much on form, on aesthetics, on class - the way you carry yourself on the bike, the sort of technique you have.

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.

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

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

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.

There will always be cheaters. It is human nature. It will never be 100 percent clean, in any sport.

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