In a world where everyone is constantly bombarded by negative headlines of war, shootings, economic woes and infidelity, it is always so heartwarming to hear an incredible story, especially during the holiday season.
On December 4th, the writer of the online blog, Fat Cyclist, posted an open letter to Johan Bruyneel. As many people aren’t well-versed in the world of professional cycling, Johan Bruyneel is the be all, end all for team directors in cycling. He has coached Lance Armstrong in all seven of Lance Armstrong’s Tour de France wins and has coached this past season’s TDF winner, Alberto Contador, to his second Tour de France win. Simply put, Johan Bruyneel is a big deal and rightfully so in the world of cycling.
In Fat Cyclist’s letter, he essentially, in a tongue-in-cheek manner, requested a job from Bruyneel. The letter was written as any other professional request for a job would be. The resume cover letter listed experience, education and how all of these would translate into a successful career as a professional cyclist. “While I cannot guarantee that I would be first across the finish line in every race, I can promise you that I would be able to work with other team members to ensure that they knew their own responsibilities as well as my own status at any given point in time.”
And then something absolutely amazing occurred. Johan Bruyneel got wind of the letter and he responded within 24 hours. Bruyneel stated that he would in fact allow the Fat Cyclist to join Team RadioShack for one day if he raised $20,000. $10,000 to go to Lance Armstrong’s LiveStrong Foundation and another $10,000 to the World Bicycle Relief Fund. As an added incentive, Bruyneel upped the ante saying that if $50,00 was raised, $25,000 for each foundation, then Bruyneel would give the Fat Cyclist a Trek Madone. He gave the Fat Cyclist a little over a week to achieve these goals.
If you have ever attempted to raise money, you will know that it is an extremely challenging task. And to raise $50,000 in less than a week with absolutely zero preparations seems pretty preposterous and basically ludicrous.
The fundraising began on Sunday around noon, with raffles to win a custom-painted Gary Fisher bike, a Lance Armstrong signed jersey, an Astana jersey and the before mentioned Trek Madone.
By Tuesday evening, a little over 48 hours from starting the fundraiser, the Fat Cyclist had raised over $100,000. No, that is not a typo. In less than three days, a guy who wrote a letter as a joke, had raised over $100,000 for cancer research and bicycle world relief. Stunning.
And now a new chapter has formed in this amazing story after the Fat Cyclist managed to achieve in less than three days what most of us would view as utterly impossible. On Tuesday night, Johan Bruyneel stated that if $50,000 was donated to each of the above mentioned organizations, then Trek would donate one 2010 Paris Finishing Package for someone to witness the end of the Tour de France, airfare included. By Wednesday morning, that challenge had been met and someone is on their way to Paris in July.
For the Fat Cyclist? He is heading to Arizona for the weekend to ride with Team RadioShack. Johan Bruyneel’s new team, Team RadioShack, consists of greats like Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, Yaroslav Popovych, and Andreas Kloden.
This is simply an amazing story. One that seems to take on a new level of giving as the day’s go by and the challenges and level of donations grow and grow.
Check out the Fat Cyclist’s website: http://www.fatcyclist.com/
By Fitzalan Gorman, staff writer
this story helped me get into the true Christmas spirit. One of giving, not commercialism. Win!
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GO TEAM FATTY 2010!!
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I’ve been a big fan of Livestrong and Fat Cyclist! This is a heartwarming chapter in what I think will be a very long story.
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Why is this story not getting national/worldwide exposure??? Is this not more heartwarming than the depressing news we’re getting lately???
This story is so inspiring, so unbelievably good!
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I’m an extremely proud member of Team Fatty. We’re working together to end this thing called cancer. You can join us! Go to the Livestrong Challenge page and register as a member of Team Fat Cyclist in whatever city is closest to you. It’s $35 to register. If you want to ride or run in one of the 4 challenges next year, you have to raise $250.
Going to the challenge ride is one of the most moving, incredible things you’re likely to do all year. Oh, and you don’t have to be fat to join the team. (:0) Let’s break some more records- we broke several Livestrong records last year.
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