A Conversation with Lance ‘Lany Pants’ Haidet
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with professional cyclist Lance Haidet, otherwise known as ‘Lany Pants.’ The nickname might sound quirky, but it has become a significant part of his identity, both on and off the racecourse.
The Origin of ‘Lany Pants’
When asked about the nickname, Lance chuckles and says, “Honestly, I don’t know. I grew up with my buddies calling me Lany Pants. When Instagram started, I just went with it. Now, as a pro athlete, I sometimes think I should have chosen something more professional. But people love it, so it sticks.”
Recap of the Year So Far
Lance reflects on the current season, sharing the highs and lows. “This year has been good overall. I had an awesome ride at BWR Arizona. But then at BWR Utah, I flatted, chased back to the lead group, but didn’t have the legs to stay. Sea Otter was tough too. I had a good start but struggled towards the end. I also cracked a rib in training about a month ago, which affected my performance. But I’m feeling better now and excited for what’s next.”
Upcoming Races
Lance is particularly excited about BWR San Diego, calling it one of his favorite races of the year. “It’s semi-local for me as my girlfriend lives in Cardiff. After that, I’m heading to Spain for a 200k race, and then back to the US for Unbound. The rest of the season is packed with events.”
A Journey Through Cycling History
Lance’s passion for cycling started young. “Cyclocross and mountain biking were where it all began. I grew up in Bend, Oregon, playing club soccer, running cross-country, and skiing. Getting on a cyclocross bike as a kid was exhilarating. It set me up well for road racing and now gravel racing.”
Relationship with Ice-T
A fun anecdote involves a cameo video from Ice-T, orchestrated by Mike Creed of Aolo, to encourage Lance and his teammate to focus more on road racing. “We’ve got a good relationship with Ice-T,” Lance laughs. Personal Preferences Lance enjoys a good beer on occasion, with a preference for IPAs, especially from Deschutes Brewery in Bend. However, he admits to being more of a wine enthusiast.
Recovery Modality
For recovery, Lance swears by natural ice baths. “Walking into the ocean is the best. Being barefoot on the beach and hanging out in the water is so refreshing. In California, everyone should try it.”
Life Outside of Bikes
When not on a bike, Lance enjoys trail running and fishing. “Growing up in Bend, I loved fly fishing. Now, living on the coast, I kayak offshore and fish for halibut and lingcod. It’s a different kind of workout but equally enjoyable.”
Conclusion
We wish Lance the best of luck in his upcoming races and look forward to seeing more of ‘Lany Pants’ in action. His journey from a young cyclocross enthusiast to a professional cyclist is inspiring, and his down-to-earth personality makes him a fan favorite both on and off the track.
Follow Lance:
https://www.instagram.com/lancy_pants/