The more time I was spending with the British team, the more of a laugh I was having with them. It’s clean, their way of cycling; it’s more about what you can produce as an athlete.
In sport you always think the strongest guy should be going for it and getting the best results. The thing is, cycling also has a very important team aspect, which I don’t think that a lot of people fully grasp.
Training-wise, I don’t have an extreme plan I stick to. I know what I have to do, I know the goal. But it’s not really structured. That’s the beauty of road cycling. It all depends on the conditions on the day and where you are in the world.
There can be crowd issues everywhere in cycling. But it’s a good thing for cycling that it’s so accessible for spectators. That’s why it’s so popular – because fans can get close to the road and the race. But you also have to be aware of the dangers.
Cycling is a sport of the people. How many people in the world have never been on a bike? Not many.
I cannot emphasize just how dangerous it is cycling in the city. Especially now. Even though it is against the law to do this, you’ll see people texting while they drive.
When you’re a young pro from an undeveloped country in road cycling then you’re on the back foot.
Illegal drug use runs contrary to the image of health depicted by cycling. Distributors of these drugs must be prosecuted more harshly as they are ciminals.
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 am sure in the long run cycling will continue to grow and flourish – not just in the U.K. but all around the world.
When I was in my 20s, I used to go crazy. I used to work out two or three hours a day, like cycling; I was never anorexic, just picky. When I was in my 30s, I’d go back and forth, now that I’m 41, I’m like, ‘Whatever, man!’ For the most part, I just do a regular workout.
I set up the KC Academy to get more people from a black background into cycling.
I rode a bike around town when I was a kid, with my friends, but I never got into cycling as a sport or activity. But, it is really pleasant. It’s really nice to hit the mountains with all the trees and everything. I get it.
But now that I’m approaching my mid-forties and have a child, I realise more than ever that I need to look after myself. I like to keep fit and enjoy swimming and cycling.
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.
I had only been cycling for a year before I went to Rio.
I have some really nice memories of Delhi. Going swimming, roaming around in Defence Colony, cycling in its beautiful, wide lanes, and enjoying good food.
Cycling is open to the whole world.
I was on my bike, cycling to Stanford, and it struck me that a week had gone by without my having a phone. And everything was just fine. Better than fine, actually. I felt more relaxed, carefree, happier.
I have been on the same dose of anti-depressants for 15 years, and my nerves still go up and down in cycles; but my nerves are cycling at a lower level than they were before.
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.
I top up my endurance with running and cycling because in a race, your heart rate is up at 150, so we have to train at that level.
Cycling is a great way to learn about your city. I love being outdoors, especially in good weather, but I’m not a fair weather cyclist. I’m happy to get a red nose in the cold.
I like cycling and swimming and walking everywhere. I’m not going to the gym. I like being outside rather than inside a room.
I agree it is the most important, but cycling is not only about Tour. If everybody thinks like Armstrong, there will be only one race.
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.
I was trying to break world records in cycling.
