# Lance Armstrong > cyclist from the United States **Wikidata**: [Q2172](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2172) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lance_Armstrong) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lance-armstrong ## Summary Lance Armstrong is a former professional cyclist from the United States, widely known for his seven consecutive Tour de France victories from 1999 to 2005. He later became a central figure in one of the most significant doping scandals in sports history, which led to the stripping of his titles and a lifetime ban from competitive cycling. ## Biography - Born: September 18, 1971, in Plano, Texas - Nationality: United States - Education: Attended Austin College; Plano East Senior High School - Known for: Winning seven consecutive Tour de France titles and founding the Livestrong Foundation - Employer(s): U.S. Postal Service (later Team RadioShack), Livestrong Foundation - Field(s): Professional cycling, sports advocacy, cancer awareness ## Contributions Lance Armstrong is most notably recognized for his achievements in professional cycling, particularly his seven consecutive Tour de France titles from 1999 to 2005. He also founded the Livestrong Foundation in 1997, which became a global movement for cancer awareness and support, symbolized by the iconic yellow wristband. Armstrong was instrumental in raising over $500 million for cancer research and support through the foundation. He also authored the autobiography "It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life" in 2000, which detailed his battle with cancer and return to professional cycling. Armstrong later became involved in podcasting, hosting "The Lance Armstrong Show," where he discussed cycling, sports, and personal stories. ## FAQs **What is Lance Armstrong most known for?** Lance Armstrong is most known for his cycling career, particularly his seven consecutive Tour de France titles from 1999 to 2005, and his advocacy work through the Livestrong Foundation, which he founded in 1997 to support cancer survivors. **What happened to Lance Armstrong's cycling titles?** Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) concluded that he was involved in systematic doping. His titles from 1999 to 2005 were officially revoked in 2012. **What contributions did Lance Armstrong make to cancer advocacy?** He founded the Livestrong Foundation in 1997, which became a global movement for cancer awareness and support. The foundation raised over $500 million for cancer research and support, symbolized by the iconic yellow wristband. **What are some key moments in Lance Armstrong's career?** Key moments include his return to professional cycling after surviving advanced testicular cancer, his seven consecutive Tour de France titles, founding the Livestrong Foundation, and his eventual downfall due to doping allegations that led to the stripping of his titles and a lifetime ban from competitive cycling. **What is the Livestrong Foundation?** The Livestrong Foundation, founded by Armstrong in 1997, was a nonprofit organization aimed at raising awareness and funds for cancer research and support. It became globally recognized for its yellow wristbands and raised over $500 million for its cause. ## Why They Matter Lance Armstrong's impact on professional cycling and cancer advocacy was significant. His seven consecutive Tour de France victories from 1999 to 2005 made him a global icon, and his Livestrong Foundation became a symbol of hope and resilience for cancer patients worldwide. However, his legacy was later tarnished by revelations of systematic doping, leading to the revocation of his titles and a lifetime ban from competitive cycling. Despite this, the Livestrong Foundation's influence on cancer advocacy remains a notable part of his legacy. ## Notable For - Founding the Livestrong Foundation, which raised over $500 million for cancer research and support - Winning seven consecutive Tour de France titles from 1999 to 2005 - Being stripped of his Tour de France titles due to doping violations - Authoring the autobiography "It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life" - Hosting "The Lance Armstrong Show" podcast - Being banned for life from competitive cycling by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) ## Body ### Early Life Lance Edward Gunderson, later known as Lance Armstrong, was born on September 18, 1971, in Plano, Texas. He showed an early interest in sports, particularly cycling, and quickly rose through the ranks of amateur and professional cycling. Armstrong attended Plano East Senior High School and later pursued higher education at Austin College, a Presbyterian liberal arts college in Sherman, Texas. ### Career Armstrong's professional cycling career began in the 1990s, where he quickly gained prominence. He rode for the U.S. Postal Service team (later renamed Team RadioShack), which was sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service. His career with the team spanned from 1996 to 2005, during which he won the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005. His aggressive racing style and remarkable comebacks made him a global icon in the sport. ### Advocacy and Livestrong Foundation In 1997, Armstrong founded the Livestrong Foundation, which became a global movement for cancer awareness and support. The foundation's iconic yellow wristband became a symbol of hope and resilience for cancer patients worldwide. Through his advocacy, Armstrong raised over $500 million for cancer research and support, significantly impacting the global fight against cancer. ### Doping Scandal and Downfall In 2012, Armstrong was stripped of his Tour de France titles and banned for life from competitive cycling by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) after it was revealed that he was involved in systematic doping. The USADA report detailed his use of performance-enhancing drugs and his role in a widespread doping scheme within the U.S. Postal Service team. ### Publications and Media Armstrong authored the autobiography "It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life" in 2000, which detailed his battle with cancer and return to professional cycling. The book became a bestseller and highlighted his resilience and determination. Later, he became involved in podcasting, hosting "The Lance Armstrong Show," where he discussed cycling, sports, and personal stories, further engaging with fans and the public. ### Awards and Recognition Throughout his career, Armstrong received numerous awards, including the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, and the Associated Press Athlete of the Year. These accolades recognized his contributions to sports and his advocacy work. ### Legacy Despite the doping scandal that tarnished his legacy, Armstrong's contributions to cancer advocacy through the Livestrong Foundation and his impact on professional cycling remain significant. His story serves as a complex narrative of triumph, scandal, and redemption, influencing both the sports world and public health initiatives. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. BnF authorities 3. Genealogics 4. datos.bne.es 5. CQ Ranking 6. [Lance Armstrong privé définitivement de sa Légion d'honneur](http://www.leparisien.fr/sports/autres/lance-armstrong-prive-definitivement-de-sa-legion-d-honneur-04-04-2014-3741213.php) 7. International Standard Name Identifier 8. CiNii Research 9. MusicBrainz 10. IMDb 11. SNAC 12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 13. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 14. [Brockhaus Enzyklopädie](https://brockhaus.de/ecs/julex/article/armstrong-lance) 15. GeneaStar 16. Roglo 17. Babelio 18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 19. Open Library 20. Integrated Authority File 21. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies 22. CONOR.SI 23. [Source](https://www.cnn.com/2013/01/17/us/lance-armstrong-fast-facts/index.html) 24. BBC Things 25. LIBRIS. 2008 26. Genius 27. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno 28. [Lance Armstrong MBTI Personality Type: INTJ](https://www.personality-database.com/profile/20433/lance-armstrong-cycling-mbti-personality-type)