Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France winner and cancer advocate announced today that he is returning to professional cycling to raise money and awareness for cancer.

"I am happy to announce that after talking with my children, my family and my closest friends, I have decided to return to professional cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden. This year alone, nearly eight million people will die of cancer worldwide. Millions more will suffer in isolation, victims not only of the disease but of social stigma. After the passage of Proposition 15 in Texas, a $3 billion investment in the fight against cancer which is helping to make this disease part of the national dialogue in America, it's now time to address cancer on a global level."

Armstrong will discuss his cycling program and an international LIVESTRONG™ strategy on Sep 24 in New York City at the Clinton Global Initiative. A video statement by Armstrong is available at www.livestrong.com/lance2009.

Armstrong, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of testicular cancer in 1996, started the Lance Armstrong Foundation in 1998 to raise cancer awareness and inspire and empower people affected by cancer. He partnered with Demand Media in 2008 to start LIVESTRONG.COM to help individuals achieve their goals and create a community of people dedicated to helping themselves and helping others.