Lance Armstrong to Retire After 05 TdF

[terpkristin]

In what doesn't come as much of a surprise to those who follow competitive cycling, Lance today officially announced that he'll retire after this year's Tour de France. In some ways, this will probably hurt competitive cycling here in the US...Lance was a recognizable figurehead and if nothing else, piqued peoples' interest because of his winning ways. It's hard to imagine a sport less popular here. I think even soccer has more of a following than cycling here stateside.

Anyway, the article comes from VeloNews, but I believe the AP has picked it up. http://www.velonews.com/news/fea/7886.0.html

Armstrong to retire after '05 Tour
By Agence France Presse
This report filed April 18, 2005
Six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong announced Monday that he plans to retire from cycling after seeking a seventh consecutive victory along the French roadways next July.

photo: Casey B. Gibson

"The Tour de France will be my last as a professional cyclist," Armstrong said at press conference in Augusta, Georgia. "It will be the last one, win or lose. Having said that, I'm fully committed to winning a seventh title."

The 33-year-old American overcame life-threatening cancer to become the greatest champion in cycling's most famous race but has often said he wants to spend more time with his children and his companion, pop singer Sheryl Crow.

"They are the ones who made it easier in the suffering, but they are also the ones who told me, 'It's time to come home,'" Armstrong said of his children.

Armstrong, defending his crown in the Tour of Georgia stage race that starts here Tuesday, made his farewell revelation three kilometers from where golfer Tiger Woods signaled his return to form by winning the Masters eight days ago.

"I'm 100 percent committed, and the decision is final," Armstrong said. "The outlet for me will have to be via the team. I think we can develop another Tour de France winner."

Armstrong was given only a 40 percent chance to survive in 1994 after doctors discovered he had brain, lung and testicular cancer but he beat those odds and went on to become a US sports celebrity and global cycling icon.

"Ultimately, athletes have to retire. My time has come," Armstrong said. "The body just doesn't keep going and going."

The inspiration Armstrong draws and gives cancer survivors is a factor for Armstrong.

Armstrong plans to say goodbye to cycling at the end of the '05 Tour.

photo: AFP (file photo)

"Certain times I have relied on a special force. To have them to fall back on, not only do they inspire me but I hope I can inspire them," he said. "I hope to give them one more Tour de France."

The Texan's foundation raises money for cancer research and more than 40 million of his yellow wristbands have been sold. Sponsorship deals and book sales netted Armstrong more than 19 million dollars last year by some estimates.

But the heroics and fame have not come without controversy.

In 2003, Armstrong divorced wife Kristen, the mother of his twin daughters who had helped him thought his cancer fight, and began a relationship with Crow.

"Sheryl, you are the queen of rock," Armstrong said. "You've been an amazing woman and a great partner."

Armstrong has never failed a doping test, but he has been nagged by accusations of taking banned performance-enhancing substances throughout his years of dominating the world's best riders over the mountains of France.

Armstrong's contract with new team sponsor Discovery Channel requires him to race in just one more Tour de France, with this week's 1,040km U.S. race serving as a tune-up and the start of his farewell tour in a rare U.S. appearance.

Strong rivals include France's Credit Agricole, Denmark's Team CSC, Spain's Saunier Duval Swiss team Phonak and Germany's Gerolsteiner - all UCI Pro Teams.

Armstrong, who turns 34 in September, retired from the Paris-Nice race after three stages with illness.

Other U.S. riders are concerned that Armstrong's success has not inspired a new generation of American cyclists to fill his void.

"I don't see anyone," Paris-Nice winner Bobby Julich said. "That's the problem. There's a big gap between us guys, 32-33-34 years old, and the growth we should see."

But U.S. veteran Floyd Landis was more optimistic, using Armstrong as an example.

"Eleven years ago, Lance wasn't expected to live," Landis said. "You never know what can happen in time."

Please check back soon or a complete report from VeloNews's Neal Rogers who is among the 400 journalists in attendance at the Georgia press conference.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

He's only 33? I'm surprised! I thought he was in his mid 40's.

[cartman]

Cycling does barely register on the popularity meter, but those who do follow cycling are rabid supporters.

Before Lance, there was Greg LeMond for US Cycling. Before LeMond, all we had were the movies "Breaking Away" and "American Flyers" There is a much bigger group of potential cyclists to carry the banner of American cycling glory than there was 25 years ago. It all depends if someone emerges from the pool to dominate like LeMond or Armstrong.

[terpkristin]

Oh well, if we're going to talk about classic cycling flicks, even though it's not really race-related, you have to include "Quicksilver."

/tk

[vex]

I also thought he was much older.

[Young Drachma]

Must be the 'roids.

just kidding.

[damnMikeBrown]

Hamilton got popped for blood doping. . .2 years of vacation time for him....sucks to be him right now. . .

[MrBug708]

WEll, if Lance gets busted for anything questionable, they cant do much. OTher then taint his legacy I guess