Lance Returns to Cycling With a Mission
Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France winner and cancer advocate announced today that he is returning to professional cycling to raise money and awareness for cancer.
"I am happy to announce that after talking with my children, my family and my closest friends, I have decided to return to professional cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden. This year alone, nearly eight million people will die of cancer worldwide. Millions more will suffer in isolation, victims not only of the disease but of social stigma. After the passage of Proposition 15 in Texas, a $3 billion investment in the fight against cancer which is helping to make this disease part of the national dialogue in America, it's now time to address cancer on a global level."
Armstrong will discuss his cycling program and an international LIVESTRONG™ strategy on Sep 24 in New York City at the Clinton Global Initiative. A video statement by Armstrong is available at www.livestrong.com/lance2009.
Armstrong, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of testicular cancer in 1996, started the Lance Armstrong Foundation in 1998 to raise cancer awareness and inspire and empower people affected by cancer. He partnered with Demand Media in 2008 to start LIVESTRONG.COM to help individuals achieve their goals and create a community of people dedicated to helping themselves and helping others.
Member Comments
by pedalhead_brad on September 9, 2008 at 1:56 PM
This is awesome!!
by Strunner on September 9, 2008 at 2:13 PM
Go Lance go!
by TheRoach on September 9, 2008 at 2:16 PM
So maybe it's not too late for my to go pro at 39? :D
by u2bostonfan on September 9, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Honey, call the travel agent...We are going to France in July.
Go Lance!
Goodbye Cancer!
by JessP on September 9, 2008 at 2:24 PM
SUCH good news!!! Congrats and hope to see you in France!
by aryy on September 9, 2008 at 2:32 PM
awesome!!! Good news, Go Lance....Allez Lance, j'esp? que tu gagnes ?ouveau le tour de France pour montrer que t'es le plus fort sans utiliser des produits dopantes.
:) :) :)
by glenblakely on September 9, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Lance is a hero to millions around the world, especially those living with cancer. He was a hero in retirement with his tireless work with cancer awareness, and coming back will only enhance his legacy in my opinion. Shame on the European (and other) nay sayers who are saying it is all a PR stunt for his next book and a grasp for attention, the guy has paid his dues and done so many hard yards, he should be able to do this without anyone questioning it. Imagine if he wins the Tour! I can't wait to see him try.....Whilst I don't have cancer, Lance is no less an inspirational figure in my life, however this can only give hope and inspiration to millions of cancer sufferers around the world, which is another amazing aspect. Go hard Big Fella!
by lukasvdgeest on September 9, 2008 at 2:59 PM
What a Hero! such an inspiration for so many people!
so push your body, study it, tweak it and listen to it.. GO lance :D Let them hurt :)
by David92 on September 9, 2008 at 3:07 PM
I can't believe it !! I'm sooo happy :) there are only a few come backs like lance's in sport's history, i'm so glad to see it from my own eyes !! Thanks for everything lance, your inspirational behaviour in sport and your fight against cancer...
see you in France ( a bientot en France )
David from Paris.
by BILLYRUBIN on September 9, 2008 at 3:39 PM
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH LANCE YOU ARE THE MAN
NO CHAIN NO CHAIN NO CHAIN
by ArmandoQuesada on September 9, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Livestrong and never quit! True leader show their real qualities not in their words, but in their actions. Lance is leading the way and fighting the fights for the cure to Cancer. We need more people like him in this world. Way to go Lance and we are all behind you 100%. Livestrong!!!!
by dsegura127 on September 9, 2008 at 3:51 PM
As a cancer survivor and cyclist, I raise my hands in joy! Yeah baby, he's back!
by Chrisinexmoor on September 9, 2008 at 4:03 PM
HI Lance,Great to hear you are returning to pro cycling.My mother hid from me her sufferance of cancer for 8 years.I have enjoyed your exploits in the cycling world since the motorola days.
You fought the big fight against the Big "C".My mum was born on 5th July she passed away 2 days before her birthday on the very year you won your first Tour De France.That hurt like hell.I was helpless to save her.You know the title "It's not about the bike" ,It's about personal achievement,the ability to fight for what you believe in.Cancer can be irradicated with the support of everyone willing to take part in the race.I'll be watching,listening and supporting.This is great great news for cycling and worldwide awareness of cancer.By the way I was marshalling at the Tour of Britain today and heard one of the riders commenting to a British Broadcaster that if you returned to the sport of cycling that that would be great news for all of cycling.Chris on Exmoor,Somerset UK
by swiyper on September 9, 2008 at 4:05 PM
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS, I LOVE THIS GUY, YESSSSSSSSSS. A TRUE INSPIRATION YOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Slimasaurus on September 9, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Let's Make it EIGHT
by veerabike on September 9, 2008 at 4:33 PM
Awesome news, Lance. EIGHT.
by PMLF on September 9, 2008 at 4:43 PM
It will be a pleasure see him winning one more time! The living legend of power of will his back! Alleluia!!!
by macfinn on September 9, 2008 at 4:55 PM
This is incredibly GREAT news for the sport and most importantly for a cause that has affected so many people. Cycling in 2008 seemed less exciting without Lance... and oh how I look forward to seeing the Tour De France organizers expression when Lance wins an unprecedented 8th tour...drug free ...
Stand up for Tour De Lance - Gillian
by jopiooooh on September 9, 2008 at 4:56 PM
Lance, it's good to see you back mate! Twas a bit dull without you. Go for 8!
by Trailbomber on September 9, 2008 at 5:02 PM
YES!!! LANCE!,LANCE!,LANCE! GOOOO!!! 8! I will be planning my trip to France in July of '09 now!
Good luck with the preparation and looking forward to seeing another legendary win!
by HCarlSohn on September 9, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Time for a new team on the tour - Team LiveStrong
by umans13 on September 9, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Lance you keep me motivated and I hope to be as much as a role model to my two young boys 5,3, as you are to all cancer survivirs.
by joe111 on September 9, 2008 at 6:18 PM
can't wait to see #8
joe
by French17 on September 9, 2008 at 6:18 PM
I'm French and I'm very happy about this !
GO Lance !
by rasmom on September 9, 2008 at 6:19 PM
Go, Lance, Go!
by Javaun on September 9, 2008 at 6:38 PM
YES! Great to have you back Lance! We've been talking about it all day, keeping our hopes down in case it was a rumor.
by Belleyjag on September 9, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Cudos Lance! It isgoing to be inspirering for all north americans following your come back. In these tryng times we need someone with real dedication for his cause to inspire us all. So everyone get into the groove and help a cause go forward!
You'll do it Lance!
Gilles Belley, L?s, Qu?c , Canada.
by Belleyjag on September 9, 2008 at 8:24 PM
Cudos Lance! North America needs a strong figure like you to look up to. In these trying times some positive in our lives is more than welcomed.
Gilles Belley. Canada
by xxnero on September 9, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Thank you Lance, we're supporting you!
by 4VRADVL on September 9, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Great news Lance! You've proven what you can do for this cause (and for cycling in general) - time to make a global statement for the good of all who will be afflicted by cancer!
by mantisfly on September 9, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Great to hear you're coming back. No matter what the outcome is you're still the best cyclist of all time. We will support u.
by bosconova on September 10, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Lance, your commitment to the cause is awesome!! You inspire so many around you to strive for an ideal and belief. Keep up the great work and things will continue to happen
by kimmyk66 on September 10, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Lance i just love you to death. I have followed you forever it seems. Good luck to you and i married a man 3 years ago with cancer and we made it through. Hes doing well and were going on 5 years clean. Keep up the good work and you inspire me
by TAB1861 on September 10, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Lance,
I'm glad you came to your senses to return to the peloton. We've missed you these last 3-years and even though many people don't understand what a pro cyclists goes through physically and mentally, it is inspiring to see you realize what you have been missing. I guess the Leadville 100 was a wake up call you needed. No matter what happens in your quest to compete in next year's Tour (and of course we all know your goal is to win the whole darn thing), you will always have the support in your endeavors. Livestrong and we'll see ya next year on the podium in Paris wearing your favorite yellow color.
by RaymondHuis on September 10, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Yeah.........great, can`t wait to see you ride and win again.....!!!!!!!
Raymond Huis
Maastricht The Netherlands
by garychambers on September 10, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Looks like I'm travelling to France for my holidays next year!!
The very best of everything to you Lance.
by Vbevens on September 10, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Love it! I have been trying to keep up on cycling, but it's just so boring without Lance. I'll be there in France next year, and possibly the Tour of California if he can do it.
by JJ12 on September 10, 2008 at 12:51 PM
THANK GOODNESS!! THE TOUR HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME. BIT A BIT OF A BORE. I'M GOING TO FRANCE NEXT YEAR!!!
by TEMPLARE on September 10, 2008 at 2:04 PM
Hi lance, my name is Mate, i am Croatian, and of course your big fan.I will not came in France next year, but i will be near you whith my mind, and i hope tha we will win.
When you won your third tour de france, i was in a deep crisis with myself and my family, than i discover you and thake inspiration, and start to do in bike.My life is changed from that period. If you want after your 8 title in france, we will drive togheter in Croatia.
ZIVIJO I SVE NAJBOLJE
MATE SIRINIC
by coreyp on September 10, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Through the rumour mill i just heard that you will be returning to the Tour for 2009 .... Thats just amazing !! In reading the Press releases there were some comments made like...... "
We were very interested in Lance Armstrong 15 years ago and I think Lance Armstrong is not the future of active cycling," Van Houwelingen told The Associated Press. "It's hard to believe he would come back - you don't expect this from a champion.
"In my opinion it's impossible to win. It's impossible to come back on the level he had before. I don't know what his motivation is."
To this i say to underestimate the Power of Will is to be ignorant ..... if Mankind could have one once of Lance Armstrong's will to win the world would be a different place. As a 39 year old guy and fellow roadie i say show him the pain Lance .... let him and others like him bow their heads in shame as you capture the 8th !!!
We are all behind you buddy !!!
Corey
Canada
by bigsfr on September 10, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Awesome. You know it is this type of person that we need more of. Kick some ass and bring "The Shit That Will Kill Them to the Tour."
by Pavel2006 on September 10, 2008 at 2:51 PM
Lance back to the tour, all we back to the tour, is not the same without Lance, my goal the next year is go to france, Lance we will see you there and my next goaul before of finish this year is that will be run on the Marathon, we will see you n France and I will show you my medal.
Thanks for help to us on get a strong mind.
Since MEXICO Im very excited, because we will share the legends on the french pirineos, the tour the France is lance Armstrong, LIVESTRONG Indded.
by omguzman on September 10, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Lance is and has been my inspiration for years...; for what he has done riding a bike as well as his strenght recovering from numerous obstacles in his life.
Don't doubt it.., He will do EXC once again!!..Go for 8...
Oscar
Costa Rica
by alitaskin on September 10, 2008 at 6:07 PM
It is not about winning for the 8th times, It is not to protest French press, It is not to get in the picture again.
Lance is still burning inside to do something against cancer. Coming back on Le Tour stage for another
victory gives Lance the highest level of satisfaction in his mission against Cancer.
I hope people outside will manage to see this point and stop seeing him as a cycling or Le tour maniac .
Lance has already won the Tour for the 8th times by deciding to participate for next year.
Lance, We are not expecting a cycling victory, we would like to see your dedication , power and love for life.
God bless you.
by alitaskin on September 10, 2008 at 6:40 PM
It is not about winning for the 8th times, It is not to protest French press, It is not to get in the picture again.
Lance is still burning inside to do something against cancer. Coming back on Le Tour stage for another
victory gives Lance the highest level of satisfaction in his mission against Cancer.
I hope people outside will manage to see this point and stop seeing him as a cycling or Le tour maniac .
Lance has already won the Tour for the 8th times by deciding to participate for next year.
Lance, We are not expecting a cycling victory, we would like to see your dedication , power and love for life.
God bless you.
by StephGarland on September 10, 2008 at 7:07 PM
This is fantastic news! Lance - just making the decision to do this is massive in itself. It is so obvious that you have a burning determination to do something for Cancer sufferers and the disease itself. You have already made your mark in this world for who you are and the effort you put forward. I can only imagine how many people around the world are supporting you Lance - so tap into a little of that and ride with it!!!
by CompuTech007 on September 10, 2008 at 7:20 PM
I'm proud of Lance for deciding to do this. He's quite the roll model and a big inspiration to me. I missed watching him in TDF this year. Nice race but not the same without him.
Big Cheers to Lance!
by COLCKERS1 on September 10, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Go for 8 Lance!
U made my day when i heard you will be returning back WITH THE BIKE to fight against cancer!!
ROUND 8.........................
I am still in awe... truly inspirational - POWER HOUSE!!
Celeste O
South Africa
by hyperfuse on September 11, 2008 at 2:57 AM
Lance, I was absolutely stoked when I discovered that you were returning to professional cycling again as you have been an idol to me during my days with the same type of testicular cancer which helped me battle for victory and had such a cataclymisc affect on my life.
I Really look foward to your return in the 2009 season and hope that others become aware of your stamina and pureness that gives anyone in this world the ability to beat cancer no matter how servere!
The world conference for LIVESTRONG is on the 24th/9, my birthday, It has to be good news for future success!!
by hyperfuse on September 11, 2008 at 2:58 AM
Lance, I was absolutely stoked when I discovered that you were returning to professional cycling again as you have been an idol to me during my days with the same type of testicular cancer which helped me battle for victory and had such a cataclymisc affect on my life.
I Really look foward to your return in the 2009 season and hope that others become aware of your stamina and pureness that gives anyone in this world the ability to beat cancer no matter how servere!
The world conference for LIVESTRONG is on the 24th/9, my birthday, It has to be good news for future success!!
by joebanjo on September 13, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Lance i had a feeling in my heart that you will be back on your bike, you dont just lift people around the world who just have cancer but ordinary people like me. I am 54 & still love to ride & everytime im on my trek your with me mate. I read your books & you are my mentor, those other riders better take you seriously because they now have a true bike rider to measure up to . Mate from downunder in Australia GOODONYAMATE. I wise you all the best & give those French a hard ride mate.John Gould in AUS.
by FastEddie09 on September 16, 2008 at 9:06 PM
As far as I'm concerned, you never left...hook em baby!
by Jin_ny on October 1, 2008 at 12:45 AM
You have a lot of fans in South Africa :) :) We right behind ya!!
by Jin_ny on October 1, 2008 at 12:45 AM
You have a lot of fans in South Africa :) :). The Tour de France has been soo boring since you retired...and everybody cheats! We're so glad you are coming back..but now im looking forward to July and its still so far..We're right behind ya! Good luck!
by Jin_ny on October 1, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Oops sorry
by Eugen on October 14, 2008 at 9:20 AM
I support your comeback, and look forward to se you back on the bike. I hope you win the Giro, but I think I am speaking for all the cycling-fans in the world when I hope you will compete in the Tour, and do everything you can to win in. Go Lance.
Eugen
by faceplantrun on November 2, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Lance im always proud of you, even when i saw that you had retired again (or whatever you want to call it). I am happy for you that you are doing it again. I think the world of you along with some of the people in my family and hope you will overcome all of your tough obstacles ahead of you. I am so proud, you really represent a person as a whole and put out to be determined and focused. And that is why i love you, and are one of my top heroes. So do it again armstrong!
by doreen415 on December 24, 2008 at 3:49 AM
Lance, Glad that you will be back in saddle again which will make "The Tour" my July excitement once again...Good Luck. But more important thank you for fighting the fight for global cancer awareness. I am blessed that it has not touched any one in my family (yet) but realize that every day families face the devastations of this disease.......PLEASE keep fighting the fight!
I also want you to know that I often times Pull strength in my own battles, from words in your first book "now is not the time to give up, but rather dig deeper and fight harder" I apologize if the quote is not exact but my mantra none the less
Thanks
by Jonaslover100 on February 3, 2009 at 10:19 AM
GO LANCE!!!!!!
by KIMCPD on March 18, 2009 at 6:59 PM
I am so glad you are bacK!