There were no shortcuts, I realized. It took years of racing to build up the mind and body and character until a rider had logged hundreds of races and thousands of miles of road. I wouldn't be able to win a Tour de France until I had enough iron in my legs, and lungs, and brain and Heart.

I love this race from the very depths of my heart. It gives me motivation and it transcendsme like nothing else in the world.

I've given gifts in the Tour de France and it's come back to bit me. So no gifts.

We are much better than we know.

If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell.

The Europeans look down on raising your hands. They don't like the end-zone dance. I think that's unfortunate. That feeling - the finish line, the last couple of meters - is what motivates me.

Well, you better ride like you stole something 'cause you are about to win a stage in the Tour de Fance.