Lance Armstrong’s participation in this Sunday’s Cape Argus cycling event came under serious threat on Monday when the seven-time Tour winner was almost blocked from entering South Africa.
He reported on his Twitter feed that over-zealous immigration officials initially denied him access as there was nowhere to give him a visa stamp.
"Well, made it to Cape Town but can't get in the country since my passport is full and there's no room to stamp it. So ... stuck."
The situation was finally resolved and, one hour later, the RadioShack rider reported that he would indeed be able to take part in Sunday’s event, the largest mass-participation ride in the world.
"Well, made it in to SA. Not the friendliest welcome I've ever received but we've all seen immigration officers like that."
Other cyclists have also fallen foul of immigration requirements. Recently, the Colombian team bound for the Tour de Langkawi had to scratch their travel plans as they did not receive the necessary documents in time.