On my bike: Christian Wolmar

Why do you cycle?

It guarantees I’m on time to all my appointments. It’s a great way to travel around London; you see things. It’s good for my health – I’m 73 and very fit.

How far do you ride each week?

About 50 miles. Mainly on business, and going to the tennis and to watch QPR.

Which of your bikes is your favourite?

My Harry Hall. It looks like a tatty mess but I can leave it lying around – locked, of course – because nobody realises it’s actually a fantastic hand-built bike.

What do you always take with you?

Nothing. I take whatever I need.

Who mends your punctures?

I use new tubes. But I buy Kevlar tyres so I only get about one puncture a year.

It’s raining: bike, public transport, or car?

Light rain, bike; heavy rain, public transport.

Lycra or normal clothes?

Normal clothes.

If you had £100 to spend on cycling, what would you get?

Something that genuinely kept the rain out.

What’s your favourite cycle journey?

I spend a lot of time in Italy. There is a ride up to a little hill village called Montone. It’s a 3km climb. We have breakfast in the square. There is nothing better than that.

What single thing would most improve matters for UK cyclists?

A government that understood that cycling is a major part of health, transport and sustainable solutions.

Check out Christian’s podcast Calling All Stations.