Many Claim

MANY CLAIM that winning the 23-day, 2,287-mile Tour de France requires miraculous endurance. And in 1999, Lance Armstrong experienced three miracles en route to his victory.

Armstrong’s push-it-to-the-limit style brought him to American bicycle racing’s forefront. Coach Chris Carmichael selected the 20-year-old for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic team. But Armstrong faltered, finishing 14th, and turned professional after the disappointment.

Success on the European tour proved elusive. In his first race, the American placed dead last. However, Armstrong slowly improved. Then in October 1996, doctors delivered tragic news. Tests confirmed cancer. Physicians rated his chances at 50-50. Surgery and four rounds of chemotherapy followed before Armstrong resumed training—only five months after the diagnosis.

The near-death experience altered the Texan’s attitude. He developed quiet determination and relentless resolve. Armstrong steadily accumulated four victories in 1998.

In 1999, during the Tour de France’s second stage, the American seized a six-minute lead over rival Alex Zuelle when a rider crashed, knocking ten racers off their bike. After stage eight, Armstrong donned the leader’s maillot jaune (yellow jersey) and never relinquished it.

With victory virtually assured, the cancer survivor completed the final stage by leisurely pedaling up the Champs Élysées. Armstrong bested Zuelle by 7 minutes and 37 seconds, becoming only the second American to capture the prestigious bicycle race.

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POINT By all counts, there’s no way Lance Armstrong should have won the Tour de France—not to mention his amazing victory over cancer. Imagine racing more than 2,000 miles up and down mountains with 100 riders crowding hairpin curves. Consider spending three weeks biking almost every daylight moment. Muscles would ache and the body would almost give out. But Armstrong’s cancer-free body excelled.

How did he do it? Personal fitness, a positive attitude, and perseverance played a significant role. But God performed miracle after miracle in Armstrong’s life.

God continually does miracles, many of which go unnoticed. Many people take the credit for God’s miracles when he deserves all the honor. We should always be on the lookout for God’s hand in our life and praise the Lord for his greatness.

GOAL! Consider the miracles in Lance Armstrong’s life. Praise God for miracles he performs today.