These words are used in the introduction of Cavendish's autobiography Boy Racer and, in the pages that follow, readers can discover many stories that show the complex characteristics that make up Laxey's most famous son.

There are plenty of anecdotes from inside the pro peloton and some interesting and controversial insights into his time with British Cycling.

There's plenty of humour too and readers can discover what happened when Great Britain coaches discovered that Cavendish had let his artistic talents get the better of him while with the team in Manchester.

He drew a horse in far too graphic detail on the window of the house he shared with team-mates and attracted the attention of local churchgoers and the landlord.

Cavendish writes about his time discovering cycling in the Isle of Man and there's some bad news for Rob 'Dools' Dooley, Cav's best mate who works at the Bikestyle shop on Douglas.

Dools won't ever make it as a Tour de France rider, writes Cav, but in explaining the gulf between club and pro riders he also gives a fascinating insight into what it's like to compete in the greatest race in the world.

For cycling fans these are the best bits as Cavendish and journalist Daniel Friebe combine to explain the emotion, glamour and danger of professional racing.

Cavendish is honest about his outbursts of emotion which sometimes attract criticism if he gives journalists short shrift after a race, and there's detailed insight into his Tour de France wins and the disappointment of the Beijing Olympics.

There are some strong words for former British Cycling coach Simon Jones and some forthright opinions about Manx cyclist and former GB Olympic Academy rider Christian Varley.

In the acknowledgements at the end of the book Cavendish thanks his family and his 'mates in the Isle of Man'.

But he also includes thanks to the two figures who appear to be the most important on his road to success.

British Cycling coach Rod Ellingworth is described as the 'Brian Clough of cycling' and there are many tales in the book about him having to take a tough line to keep the livewire Manxman in check.

But Cavendish clearly has immense respect and gratitude for Ellingworth whom he has often acknowledged as turning him from a 'fat banker into a world champion' - a reference to Cavendish's time when he was working as 'the best cashier they ever had' at Barclays Bank in Victoria Street, Douglas.

But Cavendish saves the last words in the book for his fiancee Melissa Phillips, the Laxey girl whom he met before achieving fame and fortune.

The book is dedicated to her and ends with these words:
'Lissie, you were there when I was a 16-year-old scally with no money and sometimes even less charm.
'And you're still there for me now that I'm older, but unfortunately, on occasions, no less of an arsehole.
'I won't make it up to you with this book or this dedication.
'I can only hope that I might by loving you and thanking you for being the best thing in my life.'

Those words show a softer side to Cavendish that will surprise some cycling fans who may only see his public image as the aggressive sprinter who sometimes has a strop at television journalists after a Tour de France stage.

But those words, and the generous, honest and emotional side of his character that inspired them, will come as no surprise to Cav's friends and family here in the Isle of Man.

Boy Racer is published by Ebury Press.

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FOLLOW THE TOUR DE FRANCE WITH IOMTODAY AND MICROGAMING

Mark Cavendish will be competing in this year's Tour de France, hoping to exceed last year's astonishing four stage wins and overtaking Chris Boardman's record of 41 career wins to become the most successful British cyclist of all time - Cav is currently on 39 after his recent success in the Giro d'Italia.

With the support of Microgaming, we'll be bringing you coverage of every stage along the way.

The Tour de France runs from Saturday, July 4, to Sunday, July 26.

In the build-up to the event, Richard Allen will be providing guides to the event for those not familiar with the complexities of cycling and feature pieces on the career of a Manxman truly at the top of his sport.