Lance Armstrong: Fallen Icon?
Attacking Lance Armstrong is also difficult because his is a unique story.
On October 2, 1996, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Doctors gave him a 40 per cent chance of survival. Armstrong managed to recover after invasive surgery to remove his right testicle and two brain lesions.
He underwent severe chemotherapy, which left him with burns on the inside of his skin. While in remission, he resumed training. His contract was cancelled and he was almost forced to retire before he was signed by the United States Postal Service Pro Cycling Team.
In 1998, he made a successful return with a fourth place overall finish at the Vuelta a Espaņa. He went on to win the Tour de France a record seven times, from 1999 to 2005, prompting some to nickname the event the Tour de Lance.
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