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.

The riskiest thing you can do is get greedy.

I have been dealing with claims that I cheated and had an unfair advantage in winning my seven Tours since 1999.

Fear is priceless education.

I got the three things I wanted. I did my job, I worked hard in the process, and I cherish the memories, and they're mine.

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.

Live strong is exactly I guess what it says. It's one thing to live, but it's another thing to live strong, to attack the day and attack your life with a whole new attitude. This was a gift for me. I guess before the illness I just lived. Now, after the illness, I live strong.