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

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

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

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

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.

People do make mistakes and I think they should be punished. But they should be forgiven and given the opportunity for a second chance. We are human beings.