Carrick has a big cycling culture and I would compare it to the Isle of Man in the UK.
Sam Bennett
What I've found in the last few tours is that it takes a week to hit the body. You're still on a high and your body gets into a rhythm. So, you almost have to de-train off it and keep riding the bike for a few days before you take a while off.
Paris in green or a stage win, tough one. I never really thought about the green until I was wearing it. It's something special to wear.
I always say my three dream wins would be San Remo, Champs-Elysees, and World Championships.
You could go out on a Sunday spin in Carrick-on-Suir, and it's a small town, but you could have 80 riders. That wouldn't even be everyone, in the group. It's just such a good environment to bring guys through, the support and the experience.
Third Irishman to wear the green jersey, after 31 years, that's very special for me, and I'm focused on keeping it.
Riding for QuickStep was a dream of mine from an early age. I couldn't let this opportunity go.
I know I am a good rider, but sometimes I don't see myself as a big rider.
In the cycling world I am... okay, it sounds arrogant, but I am pretty high up. And I am a good athlete. But it is not recognised in Ireland.
It is funny, I have the ability to win a stage in the Tour de France and I do win races that are the same category, WorldTour.
The green jersey is more about being consistently up, every day, and three parts really.
Whenever I'm sick or injured, I go into a bubble and shut myself off.
I started racing when I was 14 and remember guys like Denis Dunne and Martin Hanrahan dropping me by 10 minutes.
Early in the season, you're going into races feeling confident because you've done the work and that confidence gives you an extra five or 10 per cent.
I'd have moments when I'd show potential, but I could never get a good period where I'd string some form together and get results. It was up and down the whole time and I was getting frustrated.
The Champs-Elysees is like the world championships for sprinters.
I think you just have to accept there is pressure, that's part of the moment. I suppose when you have that pressure it means that it really means something to you, so you just have to embrace it.
I know when the racing starts everything will calm down and the legs will be there. It's in the days before you have to keep your mind occupied.
