Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong (Tour Down Under 2009)

Armstrong et Dufaux - World Cycling Championships 1990 - Amateur Men's Road Race

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Lance Armstrong MidiLibre 2002

Lance-Armstrong-TdF2004

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Lance Armstrong 2005

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Lance Armstrong (Tour de France 2009 - Stage 17)

Lance Armstrong (born Lance Edward Gunderson on September 18, 1971) is a former professional road racing cyclist who is best known for winning the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005. However, his victories were later stripped from him due to evidence of performance-enhancing drugs use. Armstrong's career is one of the most controversial in the history of cycling and sports in general.

Early Life

Lance Armstrong was born in Plano, Texas, to Linda Gayle (née Mooneyham) and Eddie Charles Gunderson. He began his sporting career as a triathlete, competing as a professional from the age of 16. Armstrong's transition to cycling began in 1992 when he joined the Motorola cycling team. His early career was marked by promising results, including a stage win at the 1993 Tour de France and winning the World Championship in 1993.

Cycling Career

Armstrong's cycling career is notable for his recovery from testicular cancer, diagnosed in 1996. His cancer had spread to his brain, lungs, and abdomen, but after undergoing surgery and extensive chemotherapy, Armstrong returned to cycling. In 1999, he won his first Tour de France, a victory that was both celebrated for its remarkable comeback story and later scrutinized for doping allegations.

From 1999 to 2005, Armstrong dominated the Tour de France, winning seven consecutive titles. His team, US Postal Service, was also implicated in doping practices. Armstrong's success brought him international fame, endorsements, and he became a symbol of hope for many cancer survivors through his Lance Armstrong Foundation, now known as the Livestrong Foundation.

Doping Scandal

In 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) charged Armstrong with using performance-enhancing drugs and banned him from competitive cycling for life. The International Cycling Union (UCI), the world governing body for sports cycling, endorsed USADA's decision and stripped Armstrong of all titles won since August 1998. Armstrong initially denied the doping allegations but in January 2013, he admitted to doping throughout his cycling career in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Life After Cycling

Following the doping scandal, Armstrong faced numerous legal battles and was required to pay back some of his earnings. Despite the controversy, he has remained active in various fields, including podcasting and participating in endurance sports as an amateur. Armstrong's story has been the subject of several books and films, highlighting both his sporting achievements and the doping scandal that overshadowed them.

Legacy

Armstrong's legacy in the world of sports is complex. While his victories inspired many, his admission of doping has led to a broader discussion about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports. His work with cancer survivors and the Livestrong Foundation has had a lasting impact, although the foundation itself has sought to distance itself from Armstrong's controversy.