It's Not About the Bike

In 1996, twenty-four-year-old Lance Armstrong was ranked number one cyclist in the world. But that October the Golden Boy of American cycling was sidelined by advanced testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain. His chance for recovery was as low as twenty per cent. Armstrong embarked on the most aggressive form of chemotherapy available and underwent surgery. Armstrong returned to competitive cycle racing in 1998, and from there he trained himself to victory in the 86th Tour de France in 1999. Although scarred, Armstrong considered his cancer a 'wake-up call', one that crystallised for him the blessings of good health, family, friends and marriage. Since 1996 he has dedicated himself to fighting cancer and supporting the cancer community, establishing an educational and fundraising foundation in his home town of Austin, Texas.