My infamous two-fingered salute after winning stage two of the Tour of Romandy in 2010. Not my smartest move, but I’d spent the start of the season ill in bed, the critics were all over me and it was an emotional response in the heat of the moment.

Blood, sweat and tears.
Carrying the scars of a particularly tasty crash during the final run-in on stage two of the Tour Down Under in 2011.

After a pressured and difficult start to the 2010 Tour de France, returning to winning ways with the fifth stage was undoubtedly one of my most emotional victories.

It doesn’t always go to plan.
A crash during a packed final sprint on stage three of the Tour of Switzerland saw me fined and docked points.

I lost out on stage two of the Giro in 2011 by the width of a wheel rim when I felt Petacchi rode across my line. The jury saw differently, but I had the consolation of wearing the maglia rosa the following day.

It’s all part of the circus – leading out the HTC-Highroad team in the Puy du Fou at the official team presentation of the 2011 Tour de France.

Celebrating winning my fifth stage of the 2010 Tour. Despite this success I narrowly lost out to Petacchi for the green jersey.

Everything’s gone green – I got my first grand tour points jersey in Madrid in the Vuelta, 2010.

Celebrating on the finish line on the Champs-Elysées to finally take the maillot vert in 2011. There’s no more dramatic place on Earth to win.

The high point of my career as I emotionally receive my world champion medal and jersey after the Elite Men’s Road Race in Copenhagen, 2011.

I look ecstatic and was … up to a point: the elation was also tinged with guilt, as I pulled on the rainbow jersey without the lads whose selfless performances had won me the World Road Race.

I hug Geraint Thomas moments after crossing the line.

The fame game. Once you reach a certain level it becomes as intense off the bike as on it.
Here I am promoting British technology with David Cameron in Woking in 2011.

Shaking hands with French President François Hollande after a stage win in Brive-la-Gaillarde in 2012.

Greeting the crowds at the 2011 Tour de France team presentation, flanked by two of my best mates, Brian Holm on my right, and Bernie Eisel on my left.

From l-r, 2010 Tour of California winner Mick Rogers, our then-team owner Bob Stapleton and Tony Martin.

Elder statesmen.
A photo opportunity with Eddy Merckx and Taylor Phinney of the USA at the start of stage six of the 2013 Tour of Qatar.

Congratulations in Paris on the final day of the 2010 Tour from Bernard Hinault.

Peta and me in the spotlight.
The incredible night I won BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2011.

Collecting my MBE at Buckingham Palace in November 2011.

Signing autographs at the 2013 Giro d’Italia in Verona. Not until you’re on the bus with the door closed can you finally relax and start to gather yourself for the next day.

A Team Sky press call. After hours in the saddle, another hour with the press can seriously drain your batteries, but it’s all part of the game.

The smooth at Sky.
A joke with Brad on the bus before stage 15.

Winning once again on the Tour’s final prestige stage in 2012.

And the rough.
Outside my hotel room on stage 19 between Bonneval and Chartres.

Another hotel reception with Chris Froome ahead of stage 16. If I look frustrated on this occasion appearances aren’t deceiving.

I had to find other ways to enjoy the London Olympics, having been deprived the road race gold medal by bad luck, rival teams’ lack of cooperation and some bloody good performances by other riders.
A friendly kiss in the velodrome from my co-commentator Jake Humphrey.

Ian Stannard, Chris Froome, Bradley Wiggins, David Millar and myself all smiles at the start line.

Winning ways with OPQS at stage one of the Giro in 2013. On the podium with my daughter Delilah and great friend and sometime cycling jersey designer Paul Smith.

I started the 2013 Giro in rosa and ended in rosso in Brescia with five stage wins, how could it get any better?

Winning stage 13 of the 2013 Tour after my team provided a masterclass in the fine art of the echelon.

Peta, Delilah and Finn. Having a family means that my career is as important as ever, but now because of what my success means to them.