    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [August 3, 2001]
    [Pages 941-942]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks in a Ceremony Honoring Tour de France Champion

    Lance Armstrong
    August 3, 2001

        The President. Please be seated. It's my privilege to welcome you
    all to the White House and to welcome my friend, a true champ, a great
    American, Lance Armstrong. America's incredibly proud of Lance, and I
    know two people who are really proud of him as well--that's
    Kristin, his wife, and young
    Luke. Thank you all for coming as well.
        We're also honored to have Chris Fowler of
    ESPN here. I'm so--thank you for coming, Chris. I was telling Chris a
    little earlier, it's one of the programs I can watch on TV that doesn't
    say anything about me at all. [Laughter]
        I want to thank the members of my Cabinet who are here. Thank you
    all for coming. I want to thank the Members of the United States
    Congress and the Senate who are here. I see a lot from the Texas
    delegation here that are sure proud of you.
        You all know the Tour de France is perhaps the most physically
    demanding event in sports. It lasts 3 weeks, stretches over 2,100 miles,
    and is often run in both sweltering heat and real cold weather. In the
    end, the race is won or lost in the mountains during 5 days of climbs
    that are incredibly steep and hazardous. That's when the heart is
    tested, and that's when Lance Armstrong excels. In the hardest part of
    the race, Lance reveals an unbending will, uncommon determination, and
    unquestioned courage. He has shown that courage in sport. He has also
    shown that courage in life.
        Just a few years ago, Lance was diagnosed with cancer. He was
    weakened by chemotherapy treatments and told he had a 50-50 chance of
    living. He has done more than survive. He has triumphed.
        One observer commented that when you survive cancer, the French Alps
    start to look like speed bumps. [Laughter]
        Lance's story from cancer diagnosis to a third straight victory in
    the Tour de France is one of the great human stories. It is a story of
    character, and it's a story of class.
        Germany's Jan Ullrich, the 1997 Tour de
    France champion, is Lance Armstrong's chief competitor. The two of them
    were leading during a critical stage of this year's Tour de France when
    Ullrich lost control

    [[Page 942]]

    of his bicycle, missed a turn, and ended up in a ditch. When Lance saw
    what happened, he slowed down in order to allow his chief competitor to
    recover. It was, as Lance said, the right thing to do. We need more
    citizens who know to do the right thing. Lance Armstrong--the guy's
    something else, isn't he?
        Lance Armstrong is a vivid reminder that the great achievements of
    life are often won or lost in the mountains, when the climb is the
    steepest, when the heart is tested. There are many children in this
    audience who are showing similar determination in their fight with
    cancer and other serious illnesses. You face tough challenges, and you
    embrace life day by day. You're showing courage on your own journey, and
    all of us are inspired by your example as well.
        Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you a son of
    Texas, a great American champion, and an extraordinary human being,
    Lance Armstrong.

    [At this point, Mr. Armstrong made brief remarks and presented the
    President with a bicycle and yellow Tour de France jersey.]

        The President. Thank you all for coming to the White House. May God
    bless you all. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 3 p.m. in the East Room at the White House.
    In his remarks, he referred to Luke David Armstrong, son of Lance
    Armstrong. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary
    also included the remarks of Mr. Armstrong.