SCHLECK ON…

…Heroes

‘I really loved Miguel Indurain, not because of his riding style but because of his personality. But you can’t compare yourself to anyone else. Everybody is unique. Indurain was unique. Even Lance was unique. Froomey is really unique. I think it is the wrong approach – you can have idols to inspire you but you need to find your way.’

…Brothers

‘My older brothers Steve and Fränk have an age difference of four years and me and Fränk are another five years apart. Steve started cycling but he was lazy. He definitely had some potential but I followed Fränk and observed him and tried to make the best out of it. We both made it.’

…British cycling

‘This country’s success came very fast. It came like in Germany with Jan Ullrich. They had the same boom that is happening here now. Everything started with Bradley but you now even have the junior World Time-trial Champion. It is really impressive what is going on here.’

…Women’s racing

‘I enjoyed watching the women’s race at the World Championships. I remember watching it in Zolder [in 2002] when I was a junior and it was like an amateur race. Now there is no difference to how the men ride. It is more and more technical.’

…Leadership

‘I was a very good team leader. I looked after everyone and then myself. No matter who rode with me they will say the same. That is what I am most proud of.’

…Princess Kate

‘Early this year the Duchess of Cambridge visited Luxembourg and there was a big story around the world because there were pictures of a boy who gave her some flowers then got shy and ran away. It was in all the newspapers. Nobody knew it, but that was my son.’