The idea that anybody was forced, or pressured, or encouraged, is not true.

But, listen, Eddie Merkyx would have won six Tours if he hadn't been punched.

Portland, Oregon won't build a mile of road without a mile of bike path. You can commute there, even with that weather, all the time.

Two things scare me. The first is getting hurt. But that's not nearly as scary as the second, which is losing.

A boo is a lot louder than a cheer.

It gave me a chance to re-evaluate my life and my career. Cancer certainly gives things a new perspective. I would not have won the Tour de France if I had not had cancer. It gave me new strength and focus.

I raced because I was paid to do a job and I felt like I had to do the job. Number two: I raced because I loved the process, I loved training, getting ready for the race, I loved all of that. And number three I raced for my memories. Regardless of what somebody wants to give or take away, you can't take my memories.