You know what they say, the high trees get the wind.

Your past forms you, whether you like it or not. Each encounter and experience has its own effect, and you're shaped the way the wind shapes a mesquite tree on a plain.

It's ironic, I used to ride my bike to make a living. Now I just want to live so that I can ride.

I didn't just jump back on the bike and win. There were a lot of ups and downs, good results and bad results, but this time I didn't let the lows get to me.

At least I didn't invent a dead girlfriend

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.

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