In 2004, after a storied career spanning two decades, Lance Armstrong announced his retirement from professional cycling. The Texan cyclist had achieved unparalleled success, winning the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005. However, Armstrong’s career was marred by controversy when he was stripped of all his Tour de France titles in 2012 due to doping allegations and banned from competitive cycling for life by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Despite the tarnished end to his career, Armstrong’s achievements in cycling had a profound impact on the sport, elevating its popularity globally and inspiring millions. His Livestrong Foundation, established to support people affected by cancer, also became a prominent charitable organization. Armstrong’s retirement marked the end of an era in professional cycling, reflecting both the heights of athletic achievement and the challenges of integrity and doping in competitive sports. His legacy remains complex, embodying both triumph and controversy, yet his contributions to the sport and cancer awareness continue to resonate.
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