MAIN Sports Sports Stars Lance Armstrong

Born in Dallas, Texas on September 18, 1971 Armstrong received his first bicycle as a birthday gift at age 7.

Later, as the story goes, the young Armstrong would ride all day - eventually peddling all the way into Oklahoma - when he called his mother to come pick him up for the ride home.

Eventually, Armstrong began entering amateur races leading up to his move to Colorado to train with the first U.S. Olympic cycling team. His first Olympic event, in 1992, earned him 14th place in the road race. A year later, he was cycling professionally, ultimately winning the World Road Race Championship in Oslo.

It was three years later when, after competing in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, that Armstrong was first diagnosed with testicular cancer that later spread to his brain. Although only given a 40 percent chance of survival, Armstrong competed against the deadly disease - and won - going on to a triumphant victory in his first Tour de France race in 1999.

Since then, Armstrong's worldwide celebrity has served as an inspiration to millions around the world as he continues to compete in the grueling 2000-mile race through the Alps year after year.

In 2004, Armstrong took the Tour de France again for his sixth straight victory, and was named The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third year in a row.

In 2005, he easily maintained the lead throughout in his reportedly last and seventh straight victory in the 2005 Tour de France.

Armstrong had been linked romantically with singer Sheryl Crow who was often pictured at his side at the beginning of his last race in 2005.

News of their expected engagement came In September 2005, but the rock star and the seven-time Tour de France champion called off their marriage in a surprise announcement in February 2006. The marriage would have been a first for Crow and the second for Armstrong, who has three children with ex-wife Kristin.

That summer, Lance Armstrong was named as the first athlete to host the 2006 ESPY Awards and months later made an appearance in the New York Marathon, coming in under the 3 hour mark to help raise awareness for his foundation and cancer research.

Lance Armstrong's Official Web Site - The man and his machine, featuring a complete biography, photo galleries, career highlights and interviews together with info on the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Wear Yellow bracelet campaign, an online shop and related links.

Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team - The 2005 sponsor site featuring videos, photos, slideshows, bike and cycling FAQ, the complete Tour de France schedule and related news and updates, wallpapers, online games.

Nike Cycling - The sports equipment company and Armstrong sponsor with TV spots and Flash videos featuring the 10/2 campaign - the date of his cancer diagnosis - with an inspiring "Just Do It" message.

The Science of Lance Armstrong : Born, and Built, to Win - Feature news story from National Geographic discussing the athlete's combination of training regime and genetic advantages that make him almost...superhuman? You decide.

USA Cycling - Lance Armstrong - Photos, factoids, personal info and career highlights.

The TCRC Lance Armstrong Page - Inspiring interview with the champion cyclist's on his battle with cancer, from the Testicular Cancer Research Center.

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