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Passion, courage and an unwillingness to give up, is what makes Lance Armstrong a true cycling hero. Devoting his teenage years to his love of cycling, he started on the road to becoming one of the most respected professional cyclists in the world. Cycling through the aftermath of his cancer diagnosis, he touched the hearts and souls of cycling enthusiasts all over the world.

The Start

Born September 18th 1971, Lance Armstrong showed an early interest and displayed superior athletic ability for the sport of cycling. Winning the Iron Kids Triathlon at the age of thirteen he had a taste of competition and by the age of sixteen he began training with the US Olympic cycling development team in Colorado Springs, Colorado. By 1991 he was the US National Amateur Champion and shortly after his professional career begun.

In 1996, Armstrong's year was off to a magnificent start. His hard work and dedication was paying off with first place wins in both the Tour Dupont and Flche Wallonne road races. Being twenty-five years old and a supremely fit conquering athlete, he had become an idol for young men everywhere.

The Cancer

In October 1996, the cycling world was shaken by Armstrong's discovery of cancer. How could a young man, on top of his career, develop cancer? Unfortunately the shocking news was true. He had developed testicular cancer, which had already spread to his brain and lungs and was given a less then 50% chance of survival. The cycling world was devastated.

The Comeback

This is where Lance Armstrong becomes a hero. While suffering through his cancer treatments, he unselfishly creates the Lance Armstrong Foundation, creating hope and a will to fight, for cancer victims worldwide. The motto "Live Strong" is born and Armstrong does just that.

Shortly after completing his treatment in December 1996, Armstrong gets back on his bike and continues the race towards the top. Although he showed a face of bravery his journey wasn't easy. In 1998 the world watched in sadness as he quit during the Paris-Nice road race. Nobody believed he would race again. However, Armstrong more determined then ever, courageously returns.

The Grand Finale

Armstrong's return was miraculous! In 1999 he wins his first Tour de France and finishes the year with a seventh place world ranking! His career continues and he wins six more Tour de France races. He reaches his career high in 2002, when at year-end he is ranked second in the world. After winning his seventh Tour de France Lance, Armstrong happily retires.

Lance Armstrong is a cycling hero like no other. Not only did he achieve what we believed to be unachievable, he also put a smile on the face of cancer victims worldwide and he gave them the will to fight.

Sources:

www.lancearmstro ng.com
www.livestrong.org
www.ne ws.bbc.co.uk

Learn more about this author, Sacha Pilgrim.
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