Bay cyclist gets ride of a lifetime with disgraced Lance Armstrong

Nigel Hulena riding with Lance Armstrong and getting a selfie with him in Auckland yesterday morning.

A Hawke's Bay cyclist was on a real high, one that did not involve any illicit substances, after riding with disgraced former Tour de France rider Lance Armstrong.

Nigel Hulena was one of hundreds who turned out to ride with Armstrong in Auckland yesterday. The Texan is in New Zealand filming a series of commercials for Lion Breweries.

Drugfree Sport NZ chief operation officer Scott Tibutt slammed Armstrong's presence and said the organisation was not impressed with his arrival in the country.

He said the cyclist represented everything the organisation stood against. He explained that their sole purpose was to protect the rights of clean athletes.

Ironman champion Cameron Brown was slammed on social media for riding with the drug-cheat.

However, Mr Hulena simply took the opportunity to ride with a cyclist he once admired.

When asked what Mr Hulena's views were towards Armstong he said it was tough to ask someone who loves cycling, as no matter what you say some people love him and some hate him.

"You hear a lot about him but most say there was a huge percentage of people who competed on drugs at that time."

When Mr Hulena was the manager of the Jeremy Vennell-coached BP team at the Tour of Southland, Kiwi rider Tino Tabak openly said he got into drugs while racing in Belgium.

"He told us drugs were needed to compete so you could keep up with the other riders."

"Some people are so passionate about it and think it is disgusting whilst others will ride with him as they just love riding bikes. It is sad but people are on either side of the fence."

Despite the controversy, Mr Hulena said riding next to Mr Armstrong, casually chatting to him and getting a selfie was an experience to remember.

"At the end of the day the guy loves riding and I started 11 years ago for the same reason. It is a bit of fun and banter with friends."

During his ride Mr Hulena spoke to Mr Armstrong about everything from Hawke's Bay to his sunglasses.

Mr Hulena even heard Mr Armstrong refer to himself as the "solid rider in front" as he moved forward in the bunch.

"I challenged him to a sprint race saying I would win - he just laughed."

Mr Hulena said it was a memorable experience.

"It was just amazing, there were so many of us and when Lance came out it was like he was Queen B. We all went back to being giggly teenagers."