You know, once I was thinking of quitting when I was diagnosed with brain, lung and testicular cancer all at the same time. But with the love and support of my friends and family, I got back on the bike and won the Tour de France five times in a row. But I'm sure you have a good reason to quit.

In my most painful moments on the bike, I am at my most curious and I wonder each and every time how I will respond.

My house is burned, but I can see the sky.

Pain is temporary. Eventually it will subside. If I quit, however, the surrender stays with me.

I become a happier man each time I suffer

I don't think history is stupid.History ultimately rectifies a lot of these things. If you had to ask me what I think happens in 50 years, I don't think it sits empty in 50 years. Maybe somebody else's name is there. But you can't leave it empty.

Twenty-plus-year career, 500 drug controls worldwide, in and out of competition. Never a failed test. I rest my case.