I’ve always had a passion for American cycling. Growing up, I admired Greg LeMond—essentially the Lance Armstrong before Lance Armstrong—but with a different focus. LeMond was all about winning races without embracing the role of a public “symbol” or “inspiration.” I can still picture him battling his French rival Laurent Fignon (complete with his ponytail and John Lennon glasses) on the Champs-Élysées. It all felt—whether true or not—a bit more innocent back then. I had my own road bike, wore spandex, and spent long rides through the countryside with my dad. I even dabbled in racing.
Fast forward to this week and the fall from grace of Lance Armstrong, another modern icon. Armstrong didn’t just win; he conquered seven Tours de France after a well-publicized fight against cancer. In America, we adore winners—but perhaps even more so, Inspirational Figures. Armstrong embodied both. As a fan of sports and competition, I was exhilarated watching him dominate Jan Ullrich with “The Look”—a moment of pure defiance on the side of a mountain, followed by a crushing display of power. Even now, that memory gives me chills. Any athlete would dream of doing something like that to a rival.
And for those who love marketing (if they’re out there), Armstrong’s impact went beyond the bike. He turned the simple rubber wristband into a cultural phenomenon and made Cancer Awareness an everyday conversation. Ironically, his status as the unofficial Godfather of Cancer Awareness may have helped shield him from anti-doping scrutiny for a time.
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