Travel and lifestyle site lastminute.com.au has launched a tactical ad following cyclist Lance Armstrong’s much publicised interview with Oprah last week.

The ad, running in Mx newspaper, suggests the disgraced athlete might be in the market for a last minute escape in the wake of the interview and the subsequent backlash he has received.

Lastminute.com.au GM Kirsty Labruniy said: “The lastminute.com.au brand is a cheeky one so we saw the Lance Armstrong controversy as an opportunity for us to put something in the market that is a little tongue-in-cheek.

“While you can book hotels up to six months in advance on our site, a large percentage of our bookings do come at the last minute, perfect for those awkward situations when you’d just rather be somewhere else fast.

“I think it’s fair to say Lance probably wouldn’t mind escaping to somewhere remote without TV, phone and internet reception right about now.” 

Lastminute.com.au’s top getaway destinations for Lance Armstrong:

1. Copenhagen, Denmark – If you’re going to get back on the bike Lance, Denmark is the place to be. With more than one in three locals cycling to work or school, you’re sure to blend into the crowd. Well, maybe.
2. Phuket, Thailand – You’re probably not getting too many grins at home in the USA so ‘The Land of Smiles’ could be just the ticket.
3. Suwarrow Island, Cook Islands – One of the most remote islands in the world, it’s a real life treasure island that has produced chests full of gold and silver coins (not quite Olympic medals but beggars can’t be choosers right?)
4. Stockholm, Sweden – Eat the famous meatballs, drown your sorrows with an Absolut Vodka or three, go skiing and of course be sure to pick up a National Soccer team jersey which just happens to be bright yellow.
5. The Kimberley’s, Australia – Recently named in the New York Time’s top destinations for 2013 list, this Aussie region is perfect for a remote escape. A stay at the exclusive Berkeley River Lodge is accessible only by air and with all meals, return plane transfers and tours included, there’s plenty of privacy.