FROM THE SADDLE

‘The team has grown every year since I’ve been here. The other teams might have bigger buses, but that’s about the only difference between this and other teams I’ve raced for.’ ‘I’m enjoying riding again, and things are slowly coming together. I’ll offer the African riders advice in a race if I feel they need it, but they’re growing all the time.’ ‘I live in Lucca with Songezo and Natnael; it’s a great place to cycle. I’ve been on rides with Mario Cipollini, who lives here. You see guys from TinkoffSaxo, Astana and Team Sky too.’ ‘In 2011 I came to live at the World Cycling Centre in Switzerland, and I was there for two years before joining Europcar. It was hard work, but it helped me become a stronger rider.’ ‘I’m one of the best “recoverers” in the team. The soigneurs will massage my legs after a stage and say I can’t have been cycling. I say, what do you mean? I’ve been out there all day!’ ‘The increased exposure to cycling in South Africa is opening doors for many professional cyclists. I wear the team jacket in shops, and people shout, “Qhubeka, Qhubeka!”’ ‘I competed in Belgium in 2010. I had to ride to races, often up to 70km. I’d then race for 150km before riding the 70km home. It’s been worth it – cycling’s given me freedom.’