Now here’s a ‘90s throwback crossover event you probably weren’t expecting to see this week…
Over the past few years, as he’s attempted to stealthily slide back into the cycling world via the subtle art of podcasting, Lance Armstrong has been spotted out on his bike with a host of big names from the peloton and beyond.
For example, Big Tex has ridden around Mallorca once or twice with old muckers Mark Cavendish and Jan Ullrich. He’s also gone for spins with Formula 1 star and pro cycling HAB Valtteri Bottas, and recently jokingly called out controversial influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul for a race.
Oh, and lest we forget this summer’s moody, black and white, and scantily clad gym photoshoots with Bradley Wiggins and George Hincapie, captured while the trio were podcasting during the Tour de France.
Get those shorts rolled up higher, Brad. Anyway…
So, it’s perhaps no surprise – though it may well be for fans of the band – that Armstrong was again spotted riding his bike this week with another big name who enjoyed roaring success and worldwide fame in the late 1990s: The Offspring’s frontman Dexter Holland.
Yes, that’s right. At the weekend, The Offspring, known for ‘90s punk revival hits such as ‘Come Out and Play’ and VH1 staple ‘Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)’, posted a photo of Holland posing with the former seven-time Tour de France winner, captioned: “Morning bike ride in Austin with Lance Armstrong!”
I reckon, judging by their respective clothing choices, Holland – whose PhD in molecular biology probably led to some interesting chats with one of sport’s most infamous molecule enhancers – is winning in the ‘man in his 50s looking cool on a bike’ stakes. But that’s just my opinion, of course.
However, despite Lance’s propensity for celebrity cycles, the punk legend’s weekend ride with Armstrong has baffled cycling and Offspring fans alike.
“Imagine driving down the street in your car and being like, ‘hey this guy looks like the lead singer of the Offspring’… Oh my god it’s him and Lance Armstrong!” wrote Chad on Facebook.
“Damn, the lead singer of offspring is a bike rider. I just didn’t see that one comin’,” added Simon.
But while the non-punk-leaning cyclists on the internet weren’t even sure who Holland was – some likening him to Biff from Back to the Future, or Gary Busey, or even Jan Ullrich – some Offspring fans weren’t exactly enamoured with their hero’s choice of cycling companion.
Lance and Dexter, back in the Americana days
“Could’ve chosen a clean cyclist, guys,” wrote Alex on X/Twitter, while Ursula said she wasn’t angry, she was “just disappointed”.
“What are you doing? He’s a f***ing cheater,” added Tadugl.
“Love ya homie but not a picture I would be posting… Are we forgetting?” added CB.
And, finally, Pete noted that Dexter was “still doing medical research, I see…”
And you thought the cycling community was having a hard time forgiving and forgetting, Lance…