July 14, 2005 – The 2005 Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope is gearing up, and the Team is busy training for their monumental journey from San Diego to Washington, DC to raise awareness about cancer research! Visit www.tourofhope.org to read about the 24 inspirational Team members who will depart San Diego on September 29 with Lance Armstrong and share their personal stories with millions of Americans until they reach our nation’s capital on October 8.

Registration is now open for the Tour of Hope’s DC Fundraising Ride www.tourofhope.org to be held the morning of October 8. All of the funds raised during the Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope will benefit cancer research through the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Tour of Hope’s partner organizations. In 2003 and 2004, the Tour of Hope raised nearly $2 million.

Participants may choose between a 50-mile ride beginning in rural Maryland or a 10-mile ride starting in Glen Echo, Maryland. The two rides, held rain or shine, will merge for the peloton to the Tour of Hope Grand Finale at the Ellipse in Washington, DC, which will feature the triumphant arrival of Lance and the Tour of Hope Team as they complete their nine-day journey across America to inspire people to learn about cancer research. The Grand Finale will include special guests, live music, a health fair and activities for the entire family. Lance will lead the 50-mile ride before he pulls off to join the 24-member Tour of Hope Team for the final stage into Washington.

Be sure to visit www.tourofhope.org for all the details! Sign up to ride and encourage your friends and family to join you. Go the distance for cancer research with Lance and the Tour of Hope Team!