Born September 18 in Dallas

1993

Crowned U.S. national champion. Takes his first stage in Tour de France but fails to finish. Wins world championship.

1995

Takes his second stage in Tour de France and finishes 36th overall.

1996

Makes U.S. Olympic team but finishes 12th in the road race and 6th in the time-trial. Diagnosed with testicular cancer, which spreads through his whole body. Founds Lance Armstrong Foundation for Cancer.

1997

Declared cancer free after brain surgery and chemotherapy treatment. Signs with U.S. Postal Service team after being dropped by Cofidis.

1999

Wins first Tour de France, capturing four stages.

2000

Second Tour title plus on stage win. Secures time-trial bronze at Sydney Olympics, finishes 13th in road race.

2001

Becomes only the fifth rider to win three Tour de France titles in a row.

2002

Becomes only the fourth cyclist to win four successive Tour de France titles. Wins with a huge lead of 7 minutes and 17 seconds.

2003

Equals the record of five victories in the Tour de France, beating German Jan Ullrich by 61 seconds.

2004

Clinches record sixth Tour de France victory.

2005

Confirms he will retire after the 2005 Tour de France. Will set new record with seventh straight Tour de France win.