"The worst part is behind me." John Degenkolb is ready to put "the most difficult season” of his career behind him after a year with both mental and physical difficulties.

When Degenkolb is now able to say that "it's over" and "I am not afraid", it is mainly because he was able to mentally overcome the difficulties from the first days in the hospital which was "the most difficult time." After being hit by a car with his teammates during the first training camp near Calpe, the German does not remember the exact time of the accident but everything that happened immediately after the incident are clear on his mind, from the call to his wife to the moment when he realized that his finger was "hanging in the wrong direction." 

"The most difficult moment came when I was in hospital and I knew the extent of my injuries but I didn't know if I'd be able to make a comeback, how I'd come back. That was the crucial period for me. That's when you have to be mentally strong and stay focused,” he tells Cyclingnews in a lengthy interview.

"For me it was very important not to hide away and try to avoid conversations about it. Talking helps you handle it all and move on. I haven't spoken to a mental coach or anything but it was important for me to speak to my friends and family about it. I think I handled it well and I don't feel scared of the bike in traffic for example. For me it's over. It happened but I am not scared anymore."

Another important time in the complicated season was the Tour de France. In terms of results he had to settle for two fourth places, both they were important to him for what they represent.

"It was about halfway through the Tour de France, when I got fourth in a hectic sprint that I realised I was back to my level and realised that I could win big races again. That moment was very important," he said.

"You can talk about things and you can have support from people saying you'll be fine, but until you feel it yourself, then you don't believe it and don't believe 100% in yourself. Feeling that moment was very important for me.”

Having recovered mentally, he just had to complete his physical recovery. The first win finally came in Norway.

"That's why it was such a big relief to win races again, in Norway at the Arctic Race and then in Germany. I haven't done a lot of races this year but I made it back. That's why I'm tired but also really motivated to do good next year.  I'm 100% sure that the Classics will be great next year."