Lance Armstrong coming Down Under

If former champion cyclist, and now Tour Down Under race director, Mike Turtur has his way, the January 16-23 race will be one of the best fields assembled in Australia since the recent World Road Championships. These World Road Race, in Geelong Victoria, brought the world's best down under for a shot at the rainbow-striped jersey, awarded to the champion of the world. But, whilst the World Champs were one day events (time trials and a one day road race) the Tour Down Under is a full-fledged tour event held over several days and different courses around South Australia.

The major draw-card is seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong. Despite his imminent retirement from the bike, Armstrong will be a crowd favourite. Last year, Armstrong Twittered that he was up for a ride the next day. "Does anyone in Adelaide want to come?" Word travels fast on the Net, and allegedly 5000 riders arrived to ride with Armstrong causing traffic chaos.

Superstar

Armstrong has been a superstar in world sport not only through winning world and Tour de France championships, but also through his fight with testicular cancer. Not only was determination seen in his cycling comeback, but also in founding the livestrong.org foundation. Livestrong aims to empower people affected by cancer, offering a host of support, resources and events. Look for the livestrong message when Lance comes to Australia in January.