Part cyclist, part spiritual leader, this is the rider we should all aspire to be in a sportive. By living your life (and riding your bike) like The Velai Lama, you’ll reach true cycling nirvana.

The Velai Lama demonstrates selflessness by doing more than their share when taking turns to pull on the front of the group, they show generosity by doling out spare energy bars to those flagging at the 20km to go marker, and, most importantly, their tolerance shines through as they happily ride in a bunch with everyone and anyone.

The Velai Lama doesn’t like to boast about it, but they had a promising career in cycling as a youth. They will stop on the side of the road to help other sportive riders to repair punctures, instead of barreling by and avoiding eye contact.

He or she will appears as if by magic in your sportive riding group just as you’re beginning to flag, then will disappear at the end of the ride like a mirage. Some say The Velia Lama was never there at all.