Lance Armstrong

Biography

Lance Armstrong became a household name by showing his determination, perseverance and strength. In 1996, ranked the number one cyclist in the world, Lance Armstrong faced the stunning news that he had cancer - and his life would never be the same. With a 50-50 chance for recovery, he began aggressive treatment, and was gradually able to return to training and competition. To this day, Armstrong says that cancer turned out to be "the best thing that ever happened to me." He survived and he went on to become the first professional cyclist to win the Tour de France seven times, proving that any obstacle can be overcome with heart and dedication. He is the author of the memoirs It`s Not About the Bike (2000) and Every Second Counts (2003).

Lance Armstrong has been awarded virtually every sports honor there is, and continues to be a symbol of hope and inspiration. He is a leader and activist on behalf of cancer survivors around the world. Through the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Lance and the iconic yellow LIVESTRONG bracelets have raised millions of dollars towards cancer research. The Lance Armstrong Foundation has become among the most influential organizations of its kind and today provides practical information and tools people need to battle cancer and live strong through education, advocacy, public health programs, and research grants.

On September 24, 2008 at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City, Lance announced to the world he would return to professional cycling to help promote the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign. Reuniting with former teammates and close friend Johan Bruyneel, Lance would ride for Team Astana in 2009, with a goal to take the LIVESTRONG message around the world. The LIVESTRONG Global Campaign traveled from Mexico to Australia to Italy and France, as Lance raced in some of the sport`s most renowned professional races. During the 2009 Tour de France, Lance placed third overall and announced a $130,000 donation from LIVESTRONG wristband sales at the race to the fight against cancer in France.

At the close of the 2009 Tour de France, Lance announced a partnership with RadioShack Corporation to form a new cycling team in 2010. As Team RadioShack`s inaugural season is underway, both RadioShack and Lance will continue to spread the LIVESTRONG message around the world.

Publications

Every Second Counts

The four-time Tour de France winner and number 1 New York Times bestselling author returns with an inspirational account of his recent personal and professional victories and some failures and an intimate glimpse into how almost dying taught him to really live.

Since the release of his mega bestseller, It s Not About the Bike, Lance Armstrong has enjoyed a new series of thrilling rides, from the birth of his twin daughters, to an astounding succession of Tour de France triumphs, to being chosen as Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 2002. Continuing the inspiring story begun in his first book, Every Second Counts captures the mind-set of a man who has beaten incredible odds and considers each day an opportunity for excellence.

Titles

Every Second Counts: Winning in Life
Lance Armstrong`s determination, dedication and strength to fight cancer has been an inspiration to people around the world. In this powerful presentation, he shares the lessons of courage he learned during his battle with cancer and as a cyclist, along with the importance of teamwork and what it takes to turn dreams into realities. After surviving his own battle with cancer he went on to become the first professional cyclist to win the Tour de France seven times, and, in the process, he became a leading advocate in the search for a cancer cure, and for people living with the disease. His experience has taught him that living each day with purpose is the most important goal in life.

A Different Journey: Obligation of the Cured
In this inspirational message, Lance Armstrong talks about the "obligation of the cured," which asks survivors to consider the importance of sharing their story. When Lance walked out of the hospital after treatment, he needed to make a choice. Would he walk out as a private citizen who never shares his story, never gets involved, but hopes he lives and goes on and leads a normal life? Or, would he share his story to benefit others? Lance chose the path of active citizenship, and through his story and his efforts, the LIVESTRONG organization has raised over $325 million for cancer survivors. This moving speech inspires audiences to be active citizens and find an issue or cause to support.