John Degenkolb has spoken about his joy of riding at the Tour of California and just being able to be a pro cyclist again after his serious injury during the infamous training camp crash sustained by his Giant-Alpecin team.

“I’m feeling good again,” Degenkolb said at the Tour of California’s opening stage on Sunday. “First of all, I’m very happy to be here. I’ve had some pretty tough months behind me now, and I’m happy to start my first stage race.”

Degenkolb believes he has timed his recovery perfectly, saying he doesn’t think he ventured back onto the road before he was mentally ready to do so again.

“I was pretty scared before I did my first ride outside in traffic again, and it turned out to be quite normal, luckily. I think it was good that I didn’t start too early to go outside. Your body and your head need to finish the process. In the end, I am happy to be a cyclist again, and of course to be still alive.”