My Italian love affair began in 1996 whilst watching a strange two-wheeled sporting event that was beamed into our front room on Channel 4 every night. The event in question was, of course, the Tour De France and that year it was won by Danish rider Bjaren Riis on a Pinarello Paris. I became instantly addicted to watching Team Telekom riders Riis, Ulrich and Zabel climbing and sprinting their way to victory ...

The relationship with your bike is a balancing act. Treat it well, and you’ll be rewarded with years of painless, stress-free riding. Neglect the bike, and you’ll have nothing but arguments, expense, frustration and heartache. My bike is a 2009 Scott Addict R4. We’ve been through a lot together, covering over 20,000kms through wind and rain, over cobbles and potholes, and the ups and downs of Alpine cols – ...