I joined the swim team when I was 12, and I was the worst kid in the pool - I was put with a group of 7-year-olds.

Hard work, sacrifice and focus will never show up in tests.

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

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.

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

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.

Cycling is a sport of the open road and spectators are lining that road.