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I have always struggled to achieve excellence. One thing that cycling has taught me is that if you can achieve something without a struggle it's not going to be satisfying.

Cycling is a part of my life; it always has been, and I will always continue to cycle. I won't be doing it on the world stage, doing it competitively, but I'll still be out on the weekend with the masses riding around Richmond Park in my Team Sky jersey or whatever. I just love it.

I've just been reading about cycling. Yeah, I'm not that great at it but I like the challenge of it.

As a kid growing up - I can see now - it didn't matter what I did, as long as it was something I could be really good at. Cycling just happened to be the opportunity that came along.

You train all year for the physical aspect of cycling, but you can't plan for what comes next. You're still the same person. External perceptions might change, but inside, you're the same.

I mean, for me, the reason I ride my bike and race is because I love doing it, not because I'm seeking recognition for it.

I'm more optimistic about cycling right now than I've ever been.

Once I decided to retire from bikes, there was no thought to go racing again. I wanted to have a full year off and maybe even see the world a bit.

There are so many people who have died of cycling, and that didn't happen when I was racing.

Cycling can be lonely, but in a good way. It gives you a moment to breathe and think, and get away from what you're working on.