First published 2009
Lance Armstrong grows up in the backstreets of Dallas with his single mother Linda, barely knowing his biological father. His adoptive father provides stability as the family moves to the suburbs, opening new doors for the ambitious young Texan. Armstrong transitions from Little League baseball and football to swimming, running, and triathlon before discovering cycling. His fierce competitive drive propels him from the dusty plains of Texas to the snowy peaks of European racing circuits. Armstrong survives a severe case of testicular cancer that doctors consider among the worst they have seen. He returns to cycling and captures the Tour de France seven consecutive times, a feat no champion has achieved before. Throughout his journey, Armstrong intimidates rivals while earning teammate respect, but doping allegations shadow his victories. The story weaves together voices of those who shaped his path, including mother Linda, ex-wife Kristin, former fiancée Sheryl Crow, and the mentors and coaches who guided his legendary training. Armstrong builds his cancer foundation into a global movement while battling hostile European media coverage. His remarkable transformation from cancer survivor to cycling's most dominant champion reveals the complex forces that drove him to the pinnacle of professional sports.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, sports, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Dallas, Europe, Texas
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
416 pages · Hardcover · Da Capo Press
Content warnings: medical-trauma