Survival is the main objective. There are going to be some awful days, I know that from my background in the sport.

In fact cycling has always been 'saved' by judicial investigations and not by the anti-doping controls we put in place. That's the harsh truth. We have relied on them to clean the sport up.

Now there are two or three teams who are very ethical in their outlook who have opened up the economic benefits and that is probably going to be a turning point in the sport.

I think cycling has always had a tradition of being a bit dapper, especially back in the day.

Even though my parents separated, my mother was in love with my father and never re-married.

I read too many romance novels during my formative years. I have a penchant for romantic comedies. I understand why 'Romeo and Juliet' came to such a pass.

People get some success, they get some money, they get some power, and they put themselves on this pedestal above other people. They forget people and try to fit in with their new crews they think they need to be around with. I didn't believe that. I'm still human being.

Money and success don't change people; they merely amplify what is already there.