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.

To all the cynics, I'm sorry for you. I'm sorry you can't believe in miracles. This is a great sporting event and hard work wins it.

Chasing records doesn't keep me on my bike. Happiness does.

Nobody needs to cry for me. I'm going to be great.

How many times do I have to say it? … Well, it can't be any clearer than 'I've never taken drugs.'

I wanted to live, but whether I would or not was mystery, and in the midst of confronting that fact, even at that moment, I was beginning to sense that to stare into the heart of such a fearful mystery wasn't a bad thing. To be afraid is a priceless education. P 99

When you know your not going to die, you have to ask yourself... What's the highest and best use for myself.