78S20016 JHS-D

By:  Baxter                                                       H.R. No. 129



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Lance Armstrong has joined the ranks of the truly 
legendary cyclists with his fifth consecutive victory in the Tour 
de France, defeating the sport's elite yet again in the world's most 
physically and mentally challenging sporting event; and
	WHEREAS, A native of Plano and a proud Texan, Mr. Armstrong 
makes his home in Austin when not training abroad or competing on 
the professional cycling circuit; his most recent tour de force in 
the Tour de France places him in the company of renowned cyclists 
Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx, and Miguel 
Indurain, all five-time winners of the so-called "Super Bowl of 
Cycling"; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Armstrong's brilliant cycling career has 
captured the attention and imagination of countless fans throughout 
the world thanks largely to his remarkable success in Le Tour; his 
well-known battle against cancer and his subsequent defeat of the 
deadly disease have made him a role model for the cancer community 
and beyond, and his return to dominance in professional cycling has 
only added to the dramatic and inspirational story of his 
miraculous recovery; and
	WHEREAS, A naturally gifted athlete with an unquenchable 
competitive thirst, Mr. Armstrong became a professional triathlete 
at the age of 16, although he soon realized that his future in 
competitive sports would focus on his cycling prowess; in 1989 he 
qualified for the junior world championships in Moscow, and two 
years later he became the U.S. National Amateur Champion; and
	WHEREAS, After competing in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, he 
began his professional career inauspiciously with a last-place 
finish in the 1992 Classico San Sebastian; despite finishing 27 
minutes behind the winner of the rain-soaked race, Mr. Armstrong 
displayed the tenacious attitude that has become perhaps his most 
enduring and endearing characteristic; and
	WHEREAS, The following year saw him reach his seemingly 
limitless potential as he captured 10 titles, including the U.S. 
Pro Championship; the year 1993 also featured Mr. Armstrong's first 
stage victory in the Tour de France as well as his establishment as 
the youngest road racing world champion; additional successes would 
quickly follow, including victories in the 1994 TDS Classic and the 
1995 Tour Du Pont, yet his most challenging adversary was quietly 
lurking, waiting to unseat the talented cyclist; and
	WHEREAS, His shocking diagnosis of cancer took a toll on Mr. 
Armstrong, physically, mentally, and emotionally, causing him to 
reevaluate his life and his purpose as he struggled to beat the 
advanced testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and his 
brain; with the help of a dedicated team of physicians and nurses, 
as well as the support of his family and friends, he underwent 
surgery and a series of aggressive treatments that successfully 
eradicated the cancerous cells; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Armstrong's determined recovery from the 
invasive surgeries and intense chemotherapy left him profoundly 
changed, and he has dedicated himself to using his experience to 
help others by becoming a spokesperson for the fight against 
cancer; the Austin-based Lance Armstrong Foundation is the world 
leader in the concept of "cancer survivorship," and the money 
raised through this commendable organization continues to benefit 
those who have been stricken with cancer and those who have overcome 
the disease; and
	WHEREAS, Although Mr. Armstrong considers his defeat of 
cancer to be his greatest victory, his efforts in the Tour de France 
are certainly worthy of high praise; to win this grueling 
three-week road race once was a significant accomplishment, but to 
win it five consecutive times is a truly monumental achievement, 
particularly in light of the obstacles and ordeals that he has 
overcome; and
	WHEREAS, Cancer survivor, husband, father, son, Olympian, 
humanitarian, and champion, Lance Armstrong is each of these, and 
his recovery from the ravages of cancer and his subsequent return to 
the pinnacle of cycling success remains one of the most compelling 
and emotional stories of recent memory; he is a guiding light for 
countless individuals, and his message of determination, hope, and 
perseverance will continue to inspire people from all walks of 
life; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby congratulate Lance 
Armstrong on capturing his fifth consecutive Tour de France title 
and extend to him best wishes as he pursues an unprecedented sixth 
Tour de France victory; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Armstrong as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.