The blogger FatCyclist has made it to the training camp of Team Radio Shack in Tucson, Arizona. He was welcomed by the team Saturday afternoon.
Team Manager Johan Bruyneel sent a welcome message via twitter. "@fatcyclist is in the house!" the Belgian exclaimed. FatCyclist took up a challenge by Bruyneel to raise funds for Livestrong and the World Bicycle Relief Fund in exchange to a day at camp. The challenge started by fatcyclist's mock resume to apply for a spot on the team.
Bruyneel put out a video message that described how impressed he was with fatcyclist's fundraising campaign. "I wanted to thank you for what you and your friends have done over the past few days," Bruyneel said. He added that when he received the letter, he wanted to create a challenge that would raise maybe "50,000 for those two good causes."
The fundraising went much quicker than Bruyneel expected. "I couldn't have imagined that you would raise 100,000 USD by Tuesday, which was about three days after we started this whole story."
Despite the many achievements in 2009, Bruyneel made it clear that the campaigns are dear to his heart. "I think it is safe to say that for me the result of this is probably the biggest success for 2009 in my mind.
"On behalf of Team Radio Shack, Livestrong, World Bicycle Relief Fund and myself, I wanted to say 'thank you very much' to you and all your friends. What you have done is truly amazing."
Bruyneel then went on to challenge fatcyclist about his initial letter. "Me and the whole team are waiting for you," Bruyneel said. "Now it is time to come over here and show me and the team what you are really worth on the bike," the Belgian added with irony.
FatCyclist is now with the team for the Sunday ride. The time as a stagiaire has started.