"Perserverence in cycling finds great rewards. This year we found ourselves near the bottom and every day we climbed one step higher to the top. Stay with us, we are going further."

Those were the words of Astana Pro Team General Manager Alexandr Vinokurov after the final stage at the 2015 Tour de France.

In the final General Classification after a parade stage into Paris and a sprint victory on the Champs Elysees by German rider Andrè Greipel, Vincenzo Nibali is 4th overall, with one epic stage win in the Alps.

"Overall I am satisfied with my race, although the party I had here 365 days ago was another thing," Nibali told Tuttobiciweb. "Today went quite well, the rain made ​​the course slippery but fortunately the finish was dry and we did not have to take great risks. Compared to a week ago, my mood is much better, I'm happy with my beautiful stage victory, achieved thanks to my determination. In difficult times, it is easier to go home, but I stayed here and it was worth it. Now I want to be with Rachel and Emma ​​who came here to celebrate me."