Live Strong Like Armstrong

Just last week, the winningest cyclist in the history of the Tour De France, Lance Armstrong, announced he would be coming out of retirement for the 2009 season. His return to the sport that he dominated from 1999 to 2005 is based on two things: One, that he’s been disappointed with the speed at which the 2008 Tour was run. (he told Vanity Fair, “It’s no secret. I mean, the pace was slow”), and two, that his comeback will raise an even higher level of awareness in the global fight against cancer. Nay-sayers are already fast at work — you can almost hear the clacking of skeptical journalists as they prepare their inquiries into how a 37-year-old man can compete on an international level without the use of performance-enhancing drugs (you leeches). But for Armstrong, who’s never tested positive and has legally challenged publications that have suggested he uses, this fight is more about proving that age, like disease, can’t slow someone who fights with all his heart. “Ask serious sports physiologists, and they’ll tell you age is a wives’ tale,” he told the AP last week.

One thing’s for sure: Armstrong’s announcement will definitely boost ticket sales (a stiff $275, or $350 for VIP, but it’s for a good cause) for his Tuesday night speech at the Pier Top restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 (2301 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale). Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the veteran cyclist will speak about his life, his work, and his LiveStrong Foundation, which works towards preventing, and eventually curing, cancer. There’ll be dinner too, and afterwards, Armstrong will preside over a live auction, the proceeds of which will benefit the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research. Seating is limited, so inquire now by writing to events@mavericksportsentertainment.com.
Tue., Sept. 23, 2008