July 13/07 3:19 am - Lance Armstrong In Vancouver for Tour of Courage Community Ride

Posted by Editoress on 07/13/07
 

1991 Tour de Gastown Winner Lance Armstrong to Ride in Vancouver Again

UBC to host seven-time Tour de France champion and cancer survivor

The inaugural BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage Community Ride with Lance Armstrong has been confirmed for Sunday September 23rd 2007, from the University of British Columbia's Thunderbird Stadium through the streets of Vancouver's Westside.

The unique cycling event benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation will raise funds for blood cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency.

Armstrong was a virtual unknown when he won the Tour de Gastown back in 1991 at the age of 19. The seven-time Tour de France champion and two-time cancer survivor is now a fulltime fundraiser and advocate for cancer research.

BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage chair Sindi Hawkins, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and a cancer survivor, said, "We cheered on the best riders in B.C at the Westside Cycling Classic in June and now we will be back in September on these same roads to cheer on and ride with one of the greatest cyclists in the world."

Armstrong will launch the Community Ride with an inspiration talk and then lead a breakaway group around the course before individual riders and teams make their way over distances of 30, 60 or 90 kilometres finishing with an informal, family-style picnic and party.

Individual riders and teams can register online at www.tourofcourage.ca, by phone at 604-696-RIDE, or in person at the BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage tent at the upcoming Tour de Gastown A href=http://www.tourdegastown.com target=_blank>www.tourdegastown.com on Wednesday July 18th.

The BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage sponsors are among leading Vancouver corporations, including Haywood Securities, Deans Knight Capital Management, Canaccord Capital, Kelowna Mountain, Roche, Progressive Contracting Ltd., 7-11, Washington Marine Group and General Paint.

Established in 1935, the BC Cancer Foundation raises funds that directly support research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency throughout the province.