SA in Australia
R1m for Proteas to meet Lance
2009-01-25 21:32
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Christo BuchnerAdelaide. – The Proteas have been priced out of a meeting with American cyclist Lance Armstrong.
The South African cricket side wanted a meeting of 10-15 minutes with the seven-times winner of the Tour de France, but it never materialised due to an asking price of $90,000 (approximately R1 000 000).
“That is Armstrong’s appearance fee to spend an hour with supporters or a team. I don’t think Gerald Majola (chief executive of South African cricket) would have been prepared to pay that,” said South African coach Mickey Arthur.
The South Africans approached Armstrong’s management after he raced in the Tour Down Under in his return to professional cycling.
“I don’t think they realised we only wanted 10-15 minutes with him,” said Arthur.
“When we saw what it would cost to meet him, the plan immediately went out the window.”
The Tour Down Under finished a stone’s throw from the Proteas’ hotel at the Torrens River.
It is usually a quiet city, but it was buzzing Sunday as several roads were closed. The Proteas had to walk from their hotel to the stadium for their session in the nets.
The South Africans hope to spoil Australia’s national day Monday by wrapping up the one-day series.
“Our motto for this game is to turn a good tour into a fantastic one by also winning the one-day series,” said Arthur.
“Our whole focus is on this game. We know the Aussies will be highly motivated to beat us and square the series, but we’re ready for them and want to ensure the series does not go down to the wire in Perth.”