Quotes from Lizzie Armitstead

There are lots of things that could be done. We could get more help from the UCI, like forcing Pro-Tour teams to have a women's equivalent.

I remember if the telephone rang after 9 o'clock in the house, my mother would say, 'Who's ringing at this time?' We just wouldn't answer the phone.

I need to be fit and strong, and I don't want to carry any excess fat.

In terms of being a famous person, it hasn't changed anything. It's not important for me.

I'm one of the most tested athletes in the world.

I remember taking my stabilisers off my bike with my dad in the back garden. It was a small little bike, and it was called Poppy, had balloons on it, and was purple.

As I get older, it's getting more frustrating because I'm starting to think about what I'm going to do after cycling, and I may be pushed to study alongside riding in order to prepare for retirement - all those things the professional blokes don't really have to think about.

It hurts me to consider anybody questioning my performances.

It's fantastic to have the opportunity to race at home, so I wouldn't miss it.

Most women's races don't pay much at all.

I had to find my own path, and in some ways, it's been a good thing.

You can't expect a woman who's holding down a part-time job to train for the biggest race in the world. She has to have a minimum wage, and I think it's something that is pretty crazy that we don't have that.

I need to go out on a ride feeling full and feeling ready.

For the rest of my life, I realise people are going to ask questions of me, but at the end of the day, I am a clean athlete, and I have worked hard.

I like being part of the Great Britain setup. I like feeling I'm at a race that is important and the pressure that goes with it.

I will hold my head high in Rio and do my best for Great Britain.

I feel extremely guilty that I've had to put team-mates through extra media questions.

I mean, for me, the reason I ride my bike and race is because I love doing it, not because I'm seeking recognition for it.

I could have been banned. That's what I was most scared about. All the hard work being for nothing. It was basically my livelihood and my sport being taken away from me. It was everything.

There's a lot of bunch finishes, which are hectic and kind of dangerous; you need a lot of luck to win those.

I love being world champion.

Crossing the line and being world champion, I've always dreamt about it, and now I've done it. It's quite a surreal feeling, but obviously very special.

I never expected to compete at home in a UCI women's race - let alone as world champion.

I can only tell you that I am a clean athlete and an honest person.