Need a gift idea that goes beyond the usual cycling-themed tat? If the answer is 'yes' and you've got a spare £225 knocking around, then Lance Armstrong has you covered...
Via the website Cameo, celebrities will brighten up your special occasion with a personalised video message. Think Happy Birthday sung by Snoop Dogg, or a pre-match motivational speech from Michael Buffer.
We went down a Cameo rabbit hole and were pleased to find more than a few famous names from the cycling world willing to lighten your wallet in return for a shout-out.
Love him or hate him, Lance Armstrong is the headline act here. Before you wince at the £225 asking price, wait until you've heard how much Lachlan Morton charges. Lance's videos seem to go down well, the Texan can boast a strong 4.8 star rating from 42 reviews and typically responds to requests within four days.
In his portfolio of messages there are birthday celebrations and pep talks, including one slightly awkward video to someone working at Oprah Magazine: "I understand you're an incredible team member at Oprah Magazine. Oprah...my girl... I'm sure we could share a few stories about O", says Armstrong.
Valentine's Day is coming up fast, that's all I'm saying. Who wouldn't want Lance telling them how much they mean to somebody?
A message from EF Education–Nippo's endurance racing star, Lachlan Morton, will set you back an eye-watering £750. That's right, £750. Presumably for that sort of money he sings Happy Birthday on repeat for seven hours while breaking the Everesting record.
Despite Lance and Lachlan's premium rates, there are bargains to be had. Cofidis' new signing Simon Geschke for the frugal fee of £11.25, for example. Or perhaps you want a five-time Monument winner for £37.50? If there was a road.cc 'Cameo of the Year' award, Philippe Gilbert would be taking it home.
He even offers a chat service for £2.24. Less than the price of a cup of coffee to give Phil tips on how to win Milan-San Remo. Other notable cycling Cameoers include: Gianni Moscon (£22.50), Michael Valgren (£37.50) and Phil Gaimon (£75).
It's worth giving Ineos Grenadiers' Owain Doull some credit too for donating the money people paid for his videos to the Noah's Ark Children's Hospital in Cardiff.
Compared to other sports, cycling hasn't been flooded with quite as many current riders and ex-pros. The football section of the site seemingly includes just about every notable player from the past 30 years, ranging from Micky Quinn for £20 through to Roberto Carlos for £150.
Carlton Kirby, Sir Brad, Cav... what are you waiting for?
I don't really want to go round in circles, since I already replied to that opening comment, and so I'll leave it there.
Still...don't see what it adds here. Do you? The alloy is probably 0.1 to 0.5% Scandium, so it's not weight? Together with the other alloys it's...
Yes, but pins are no match for TUBELESS TYRES! Seriously, it's a new route, there will be tacks/pins on the road.
He did come on here to debate overtaking cyclists and use of the horn. He did not listen to what was said....
Bontrager (Trek) make a mudguard mount for their Flare RT rear light. It comes as standard on their own mudguards, but would be simple to fix to...
Has anyone figured out how the detail about Wilson's bike being found dumped nearby fits into the picture? It was seen being ridden away at the...
I pity the poor sod who reads this and then sets about exchanging his cranks. As is pointed out below, the article only really applies to one...
They run consecutively, so the ban begins the day he gets out. This changed a few years ago.
When I used to go to transport meetings in Bristol, this would regularly be raised, but the proposers were unable to provide any mechanism for...
Utter twattery by the BMW. Shame on Hants rozzers.