Cycling is not a sport it's a lifestyle.
I'm not one of those guys that sits and studies all the stages to see what's gonna be my sort of thing. I sort of play in the moment. Everything is split-second decisions, and I try and make the best out of every possible situation.
I like the sprints so much because it's very explosive, very aggressive, and quite physical sometimes as well. On top of that you've got the speed, so it's a big adrenaline rush coming into the sprints all the time. I love that bit!
For me the best part about the racing is to let all your aggression - whatever you've got inside you - out on the bike and just attack everything at all possible times.
I love attacking and racing aggressively, and obviously it's a big bonus when you're making an attack and you look around and you see the guys making faces because they're in pain, that just gives you that extra little percent to make them hurt even more.
My life, since I was 12-years-old, has revolved around some sort of sport, mainly cycling, so when I'm unable to ride my bike I just don't know what to do with myself.
Being injured is quite an awkward situation to be in mentally. Physically, it's quite good to have a bit of a rest, but mentally it's hell.
Cycling is part of me, it's who I am. When you get injured, your whole identity is taken away from you, you're no longer yourself.
All of a sudden, if I can't go cycling, I have to do something else for five hours - I can't do anything for five hours! It just means sitting at home trying to work out something to do. It's just not me, it doesn't feel right.
You've got to be able to take a hit and learn from it and get back up on your bike again, or get back doing whatever you do, and try even harder next time. It's all about learning from your mistakes and using it the next time so you don't put yourself in the same situation.
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Stephen Roche Professional Road Racing Cyclist