He's the biggest name in cycling right now and he's back in the Tour de France. Seven-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong divides opinion among cycling fans everywhere
After coming out of retirement for the 2009 Tour de France – news which no doubt is grinding the gears of many – ITV.com/tour looks at the 37-year-old’s record-breaking achievements in the cycling world.
At the start of his professional career in 1993, Armstrong ranked No 1 in the world, winning 10 one-day events and stage races.
Armstrong went on to become one of the youngest riders to win the World Road Race Championship, and took his first stage win at the 1993 Tour de France.
In 1996 Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer – he was 25 at the time. The cancer had spread to his lungs, abdomen and brain, prompting his doctor to admit after surgery that he had had less than a 50% survival chance. After aggressive chemotherapy, Armstrong miraculously recovered and used the experience to spur him back to the summit of professional cycling.
Armstrong wrote a book, "It's Not About The Bike", after his experience of cancer, which has become one of the best-selling sports books of all time.
Armstrong's cycling comeback began in 1998. In 1999 he won the Tour de France with almost embarrassing comfort, his nearest opponent trailing over seven minutes behind.
In addition to a record-breaking seven consecutive Tour de France wins (the only cyclist ever to have done this), Armstrong won 22 individual stages, including 11 time trials.
Soon after announcing his retirement, he established the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which primarily supports people affected by cancer. Armstong claims that promoting this foundation is one of the main reasons he's returned to cycling.
In 2002, Sports Illustrated magazine named him Sportsman of the Year. He was also named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. Armstrong also won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Overseas Personality Award in 2003.
He announced his return to professional cycling in September 2008, with an express desire to win the 2009 Tour de France. He has said he will support fellow Astana team member (and former Tour de France winner) Alberto Contador if necessary. But that is only if Contador's performance merits his support.
Arguably, Armstrong would not be in the race if he didn't think he could win. It will be fascinating to watch his progress this year.
