Over the hundreds of thousands of kilometres I’ve ridden, I’ve come to realise why my desire became an obsession. Without it, I struggle – I am anxious, unfocused and tense. Cycling has become spiritual…I can pedal away angst, find calm and clarity with the rhythmic motion and freedom. The commitment gives me a focus; the love gives me panache. Whether it is pedalling to a victory or training in the mountains, I find peace.