After a real travel marathon, I am finally getting into the Christmas mood. I was in Girona, then to the team training camp on Mallorca and yesterday and today in Düsseldorf, where I could final make my entry into the "Golden Book". I had long been invited to do that in the aftermath of the Grand Depart, now it finally worked out.

I am very proud of the title Thüringer Male Athlete of the year 2017. Many thanks to you all. This honour means a lot to me because of my close ties to my homeland. I was really very happy. The official tribute takes place next year.

I am also very proud of the 3447,13 Euro, that you helped raise for the Kinderhospiz Mittleldeutschland Tambach-Dietharz. I am happy that we could give the happy news of this great donation to this important place at Christmas. It means a lot to me to help the critically ill children and young people, as well as their families.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope that, like me, you will celebrate with your family or those you love.

Photos: Stadt Düsseldorf/David Young