Dear Friends, <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /?>

Last fall, 26 individuals from the cancer community joined me on an inspiring journey across <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /?>
America from
Los Angeles to
Washington, DC.  This year, I?m looking for 20 cyclists who have been touched by cancer to join the Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope Team to help inspire and invigorate interest in cancer research.

I?m partnering with Bristol-Myers Squibb, the company who provided the drugs with which I was treated, to lead the Tour of Hope.  It will kick off in
Los Angeles on October 1, 2004 and reach
Washington, DC on October 9.  The Tour of Hope riders will stop in cities along the way to share their personal stories that bring to life the importance of cancer research.  I?ll join the team at the start, finish and for selected segments along the way. 

The cross-country ride is only one of many ways to become involved in the Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope.  Consider joining us in
Washington for a fundraising recreational ride at the grand finale on October 9, or as a volunteer at locations along the route. 

The 20-member Tour of Hope Team must have the cycling ability and endurance to complete the 3,200 mile trip, which will involve cycling in 100 mile relays each day for  8 days, riding day and night. Equally important is a passion for furthering cancer research.  The team will include cancer survivors, caregivers, physicians, nurses, and researchers, who will train for 16 weeks under the guidance of Carmichael Training Systems.

Please forward this message to your friends and help spread the word about the Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope.  If you?re interested in being a part of the 20-person team, visit www.tourofhope.org to fill out an application. Deadline is April 20.

Use the link below to pass this on to your friends.

Sincerely,

Lance Armstrong
Cancer Survivor
Tour de France Champion