It’s the last column of the year after a season, in football commentator’s parlance, of two halves – a tough first nine grands prix was followed by a much healthier second nine.

Let’s hope we can cut out the football clichés next year and have 18 good, straight races.

The highlight was, without a doubt, standing on the podium at Phillip Island with Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo after finishing third at the Australian Grand Prix.

It really had not sunk in until all those fans poured onto the track in front of the podium.

It was then I really appreciated just what we had achieved.

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Close to this was the reception I received from the British fans at Motorcycle Live event at the NEC in Birmingham last weekend. It made me realise just what it meant to them.

I just wish they could have all been there in Australia to share that unforgettable day.

Repeating that podium at Donington Park next year would be the perfect way to thank them.

The worst moment of the season was sitting on the plane back from the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring after five crashes over the weekend.

I had no points, no new contract and was sore all over both mentally and physically. I knew that if we could not turn things round, my MotoGP future was pretty bleak.

The oddest incident of the season – though more ironic than comedic – was watching Spanish rider Marc Marquez ride over the Millennium Bridge in London to publicise the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The best opponent I faced this year has to be Aleix Espargaro, who had a fantastic season.

He was so strong all year on the Yamaha and was difficult to beat.

One of the most annoying people in the MotoGP paddock was Pol Espargaro.

My teammate was the most irritating opponent because he beat me in some races and finished ahead of me in the Championship.

Pol was exactly how I thought he was going to be when he stepped up from Moto2 – fast, full of energy and a bit up and down emotionally.

He is a good character to have on the other side of the garage and we have a good off-track relationship.

A particularly irritating person was a certain travel agent who always came into the garage or hospitality area at exactly the wrong moment, while Yuri, my suspension guy from the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha team, can be very annoying but has great sense of humour.

My own worst habit is coming back into the garage after practice or qualifying and shouting at the team. I take my emotions too far sometimes.

They just shrug their shoulders and say that one would think I was down in 21st position rather than the top six. They are used to it because they care every bit as much as me.

Sometimes I expect too much.

Finally, the worst thing about the paddock is having to go to the loo at some tracks, which is a nightmare, especially if you need to sit down in a cubicle and you are in your leathers.

Meanwhile, I'm already looking forward to 2015.

I’ve got my back against the wall but I am determined to come out fighting right from the start. 

For the first time since those early 125cc Repsol Honda days, I’ve only got a one-year contract. 

It’s going to be a fantastic battle to find the top British rider. 

Cal Crutchlow, Scott Redding and myself are all on pretty equal satellite factory bikes, so there will be no excuses. 

I’m really up for it and can’t wait to get stuck in. 

It’s the biggest year of my career and I’m confident we can finish as the top satellite rider and team. 

That has be our belief right from the first race under the Qatar floodlights at the end of March. 

Congratulations to Daniel Rivers on winning the Sportsman of the Year at the Oxfordshire Sports Awards and to Georgina Polden for making the shortlist for the Sportswomen of the year.

I’m back home to spend Christmas with Mum, Dad, my sister and brother in Oxford.  

It’s always a special time for us because of the travelling we do throughout the year.

There’s nothing like my mum’s turkey and then a good walk with the dog.
Have a wonderful Christmas and new year. 
And thanks so much for all your support – especially when the going got tough. 

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