"I've met the king a couple of times, but it's not like I'd invite him around for a barbie, though he'd probably come if I did," he said.

McEwen has a real thirst for victory. He allegedly headbutted fellow Australian Stuart O'Grady in the finishing sprint of stage three of the Tour de France last year. "People like to ask about it," he says. "It was a racing incident and I've put it way, way behind me." Do you ever speak to Stuart? "We don't speak." Topic over.