If you're a divisive figure, often the best tactic is to keep your head down, do your work and try not to draw much more attention to yourself.
Fortunately for us, Alexander Vinokourov has done no such thing. For his latest venture he's revealed his new, suitably over the top bike for us to glare at, ahead of the Dubai Tour which starts on Wednesday.
Universally loved (in Kazakhstan), Vino's new ride goes all out in celebrating his win in the London 2012 Olympic Games road race, lavishing the unbranded frameset in dazzling gold.
The bicycle of Vinokourov before the 2016 Dubai Tour
(Image credit: Watson)
The Astana boss retired after he took his Olympic victory ahead of Rigoberto Uran on the Mall, but clearly still likes to go all out when he rides.
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Not only is the bike fitted with this custom paint job (Olympic emblem and Vino branding included) and some pretty bling aero bars, it's got the WorldTour team's top spec groupset and wheels throughout as well.
The bicycle of Vinokourov before the 2016 Dubai Tour
(Image credit: Watson)
Corima carbon tubulars will probably do the job on those easy retirement rides, while he's unlikely to have any trouble shifting on the electronic Campagnolo Super Record EPS groupset.
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The golden bike also includes an SRM power meter on the chainset, so Vino can still see if he's still got Watt it takes (sorry).
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Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
