1. Winning is all that matters. No one gives a shit how hard you train, how talented you are, or how good you look on a bike. The numbers on the results sheet are the only ones that count.

2. Fear is debilitating. Get over it.

3. You have no friends in the peloton when the race is on. Everyone is there to fuck you over save for your teammates (usually).

4. You aren’t a specialist. Every great racer can climb, sprint, descend and time-trial with the best.

5. Every race is important. You are there to win.

6. Bike handling trumps raw power. Learn how to ride your bike.

7. Tactics trump raw power. Play your cards right.

8. There are no magic bullets. You need a well-rounded diet not the latest fad. Old racers know more about training than any newfangled system.

9. Rest. Anyone can train hard. Races are won on the couch.

10. You only get so many chances. Seize every one of them.

11. Learn from your mistakes.

12. Don’t dope.