Lance Armstrong
Seven-time Tour de France winner and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong is an inspiration to many people around the world. With his July 2005 victory, Armstrong became the first American to win the Tour de France seven consecutive times. But even off his bike, Armstrong has led an exemplary life.
Raised by his mother in Plano, Texas, Armstrong became a star athlete at an early age. At 16 he became a professional triathlete, and after graduating high school he concentrated on cycling. Armstrong was the U.S. National Amateur Champion of cycling in 1991, when he was just 20. He turned pro after the Barcelona Olympics, winning 10 titles in 1993.
Armstrong was ranked No. 1 in the world in 1996, when he discovered he had advanced testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain. His chances of survival were 50-50 when he began an aggressive chemotherapy routine. After surgery removed his brain tumors, Armstrong was declared cancer-free in February 1997. By May 1998, Armstrong was healthy enough to return to cycling. Gradually climbing up the ranks of world-class cyclists, Armstrong is now at the top of his game.
Armstrong married Kristin Richard in 1998 and the couple has one son and twin girls. They have since divorced. Armstrong and girlfriend Anna Hansen are expecting a child together, with the baby due in June 2009.
- Lance Armstrong On-Line
Armstrong's official site is full of the latest news about the cyclist, from his races to interviews and video. You'll also find photos from the Tour de France races.
- Biography.com
Learn about Armstrong's upbringing in Plano, Texas, and his ascent to the top of the biking world.
- The Lance Armstrong Foundation
Armstrong hopes to pass his own spirit in surviving cancer onto others through his foundation. The organization works to support cancer patients with research grants and public awareness programs.
- VeloNews
View the 2005 Tour de France Special Coverage by this cycling magazine.
- BookPage
This interview with Armstrong explores his life and his book, "It's Not About the Bike:
My Journey Back to Life," which was published in 2000.
- The 2008 Time 100
Read this tribute to Armstrong by Elizabeth Edwards for Time magazine's annual list of the year's 100 most influential people.
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