We chat to British cyclist and Olympic medal-winning athlete Mr Mark Cavendish.

It’s been a busy summer for Mr Mark Cavendish. The British cyclist, 31, cemented his status as the world’s best sprinter on two wheels by winning four stages at this year’s Tour de France to increase his tally to 30 overall – second on the all-time list behind Belgian legend Mr Eddy Merckx, who has 34. He left the Tour early in order to prepare for the Olympics, and last week won a silver medal in the omnium. Here he talks to MR PORTER about Scouse house, fur coats and why Mr Tom Hardy should play him in a movie.

Where are you right now?

I’m in the Oakley Safehouse in Rio.

What is a “safehouse”?

It’s just a clubhouse where athletes and their families can escape, eat some decent food, sort their kit out and relax. You can get a bit of cabin fever in the Olympic Village.

What’s your recurring dream?

Winning. I literally dream about it at night. During the days my mind wanders and I find myself day dreaming about winning races.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Check the time on my phone.

Name the app you can’t live without.

Spotify.

What’s your breakfast of champions?

My wife makes the best poached eggs, smoked salmon, and avocado. Better than any hotel.

What’s your favourite emoji?

The crying laughing one.

What would your Death Row meal be?

Penne arrabiata.

Who’s your style icon?

Steve McQueen.

What’s the most surprising fashion item you own?

This Fendi fur jacket that I've never ever worn ever. I bought it on sale. It’s just sitting there in my wardrobe. Maybe one day.

Those shades are also pretty out there.

The Oakley Green Fade? It’s interesting to see at the Games, although every athlete has different kit but if they’re wearing sunglasses, they’re wearing Oakley.

What’s your biggest extravagance?

I like nice watches. I met Richard Mille at this year’s Tour de France and that was the highlight of the whole tour for me. He makes incredible watches.

Name a place everyone should visit before they die?

The Isle of Man, where I’m from. It’s such a beautiful place.

First thing you do when you get into a hotel room?

Hang my clothes up.

First thing you do when you get home?

Play with the kids.

What would you say to your 17-year-old self?

Lose the chip on both shoulders.

What music do you listen to before a race?.

It can be anything from classical to rap to dance music. Before my last race in the Olympics, I listened to some old-school “Scouse house”.

What else do you do to psyche up?

I have a weird regimen where I lay out all my kit like a soldier and I have to put it on in a certain order.

Which athlete do you admire the most outside cycling?

Valentino Rossi. He transcends his sport.

Who would captain your Fantasy Football team?

Alan Shearer. I’m not really into football.

Who would play you in a movie?

Leonardo DiCaprio or Tom Hardy. It would need to be someone who could portray a complex and nuanced character.

Song you sing in the shower?

That Calvin Harris and Rihanna song that’s on all the time at the moment. “This is What You Came For”.

If you weren’t a pro cyclist, you’d be…

Trying to be a pro cyclist.