Simon Yates was nervous that "something stupid could happen" on the processional final stage of the Vuelta a Espana as his victory was confirmed.
The Mitchelton-Scott rider needed only to cross the finish line in Madrid to secure his first Grand Tour triumph.
He had no problem in doing so but, after a stage 19 collapse cost him the Giro d'Italia in May, nerves were still a significant factor for the Briton.
"A really unbelievable experience. I was even nervous just coming into the circuits that something stupid could happen. But I've finally pulled it off, unbelievable," Yates told reporters.
"I was very disappointed after the Giro and it took a long time to really get over that.
"I've come here with renewed motivation and finally managed to pull it off. Just unbelievable."
In an interview with BBC Sport, Yates added: "I've had so many setbacks. I guess those setbacks also really give you the motivation to keep plugging away, keep trying to just pull it off.
"Even in the final day there in Andorra [the penultimate stage] I really didn't believe that I could do it. I have been second many, many times, just missing out. We were really focused just to cross the finish line, really complete the job well and it was just an unbelievable journey."
Asked if his twin brother and team-mate Adam is capable of winning a Grand Tour, Yates added: "I have full confidence that he will get there eventually."
