Lance Armstrong (born 1971) is a former American professional road racing cyclist. He is best known for winning the Tour de France, a prestigious annual multiple stage bicycle race primarily held in France, a record seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005. He is also known for his comeback from cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 1996.
Armstrong began his professional cycling career in the early 1990s and quickly established himself as one of the top cyclists in the world. He won his first Tour de France in 1999 and went on to win the race every year until 2005. He also won several other major cycling races during this time, including the Tour DuPont and the Dauphiné Libéré.
In 1996, Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain. He underwent chemotherapy and was able to return to professional cycling in 1998. His comeback from cancer and his continued success on the bike made him a popular and inspirational figure, and he started the Lance Armstrong Foundation (now Livestrong Foundation) to raise money and awareness for cancer research and support.
However, in 2012 the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) charged Armstrong with using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) during his career, and he was subsequently stripped of his Tour de France titles and banned from professional cycling for life. He admitted to using PEDs in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2013.
The fall of Lance Armstrong was a disappointment for his fans, his sponsors, and the sport of cycling. He was one of the most iconic and successful athletes of his time, but his legacy has been tarnished by his use of banned substances and his attempts to cover it up. Despite this, his foundation Livestrong continues to raise money and awareness for cancer research and support.
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