my mate from the US just went over to Belgium and Holland etc. Friend of a friend got him a couple of cyclo-cross rides, he got 50 Euros appearance fee, parked next to Sven Nijs, signed on at the stage, raced in front of 20,000 screaming fans, was on the big screen, got crushed by the Euros and had the time of his life.

quote from cyclingnews.com :
.....The pace was very high, and after four laps, American Wade Hess (Team Beacon) was already doubled by the leading group.....