Lance choppered onto stage, stayed 41 minutes and 23 seconds before Range Rovering out, President Zuma style in a motorcade.

While on stage, he dazzled us with his whit and amazing speaking skill. He chatted with the iconic Phil Liggett and his new South African Team Radio Shack team mate, Daryl Impey.

The day before there was a funds raising group ride along the ocean from Cape Town to Hermanus. Too bad it rained all the way - probably one of the most scenic rides in the world. R175 000 ($23k) got you in. Word from the bunch is, Phil Liggett gave Lance “the look.”

Off course, Lance spoke about the Livestrong Foundation (I think they have raised $360 million for cancer so far) and about how to beat Contador. “The best climber in the world, and a great time trailist”

I cant remember the words he used, (like I said, he is a magician with words, PR and business) but basically he said “We will take him to the cleaners (excuse the pun) on tactics and race smarts.” Lance then referred to stage 3 which is basically a mini Paris Roubaix with lots of cobbles.

This weekend however, by the sounds of it, their (Daryl and Lance’s) plan on winning the worlds biggest fun ride, (The Cape Argus cycle tour), is: Either Lance rides everyone off up Chapman’s Peak or “the bossy hill - I have enough bossy people to remember that name” - LA (Suikerbossie), or Daryl Impey will win the line sprint with Lance as lead out man.

The Lance quote I took home was: “The key to improving your riding is: Lose weight, or buy a lighter bike.” Since I already ride the lightest Specialized available, I guess its back to the drawing board and empty out the cupboard. (Thats a joke)

Well, Lance was in such a hurry to Zuma off again, he completely missed out on his book signing and photo opportunity with me.

So Lance, my next appearance is at The Basic coffee shop in Stellenbosch on Tuesday at about 7.30. You can pick up your signed book there, and I’ll even throw in a personalized Specialized poster.

Damn, cant wait for Speedos to make a come back. They are so functional.

A big thanks to the JAG foundation for the invites and chapeau for the amazing work you do with Songo.info.

MultiSport | March 11, 2010

Poised to dominate the triathlon world in 2010, Specialized has launched its first-ever comprehensive triathlon team, with multiple athletes in each of the three major specialties: Long Course, Short Course, and Xterra. Hand selected by Bobby Behan, Specialized Global Marketing Manager for MTB and Triathlon, the team athletes represent the best in the business – from decorated vets to young, upstart pros.

“It’s super exciting to be instrumental in the construction of this star-studded global team, many of which have inspired my own triathlon career,” said Behan. “Collectively, the team has won every major title in triathlon from the Olympic Games to World titles in ITU, Ironman, and Xterra.”

Read on …

MEDIA RELEASE

(Caveman report to follow shortly…)

For Immediate Release

Stoltz claims scorching victory

(Stellenbosch, 7 March 2010) Approximately 4,500 riders battled it out in this weekend’s Cape Argus Pick n Pay Mountain Bike Challenge. The 2010 MTB Challenge will certainly be remembered for its unbearably hot conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 42′C on today’s 35km and 55km routes.

Triple XTERRA world champ, South African Conrad Stoltz, was first to cross today’s finish line, winning the 55km race. “I stopped three times to refill my water bottles. Pros don’t stop,” Conrad explained when asked about today’s heat. Also known as “The Caveman”, American-based Stoltz was impressed with the course: “It’s of a high technical standard and really challenged the riders. My Specialized 29er Epic was the perfect bike for this course- the big wheels just floated over the rocks and deep sand”

Meurant Botha, Co-Organiser of the MTB Challenge, is very happy with how the revised format, which saw the event taking place over two days, worked out. “Saturday had a more laid-back family vibe, whilst Sunday was noticeably more competitive with some great racing. This is exactly how we envisioned it.”
Read on …