American cycling legend and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong kicked off the inaugural "Tour of Courage" in Vancouver on Sunday in an effort to raise awareness and funds for cancer research in the province.
Adult cyclists who raised more than $1,000 in pledges could choose to participate in either a 30, 60 or 90 kilometre ride in the fight against cancer
Youths between the ages of 12 and 17 who raised at least $200 were also eligible for the ride.
A pre-ride breakfast with Armstrong was held for participants who raised more than $5000 for the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
"The message is clear, let's cure cancer," Armstrong told a cheering crowd in Vancouver.
On Saturday, Armstrong said he was proud to be in B.C. and admired the spirit of his fellow-fundraisers.
"We need passionate people, people who are motivated to fight this war and that's what you guys have here," he said.
On Saturday, 50 cyclists donated an average of $21,000 each to ride an 80-kilometre stretch with the seven time Tour de France champion in Kelwona, B.C.
The event raised over $2 million for the B.C. Cancer Foundation and fulfilled a personal dream for Kelowna-Mission MLA Sindi Hawkins.
"Three and a half years ago when I had my leukemia I (read) a book written by Lance Armstrong," Hawkins told CTV British Columbia.
"From that day, I dreamed about bringing the biggest cancer advocate on the planet to help me raise money for blood cancer research and it's happening today in Kelowna. I'm just absolutely thrilled about it."
Armstrong, who is a testicular and brain cancer survivor, arrived minutes before the event began and was joined on the ride by Olympic snowboarding medallist Ross Rebagliati.
Armstrong won Vancouver's Tour de Gastown in 1991 when he was 19-years-old.
In October 1996, Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had already spread to his lungs and brain. He began an aggressive chemotherapy regime but opted for an alternative treatment that would enable him to maintain his lung capacity.
In 1999, Lance won his first Tour de France championship, which is considered the most prestigious title in the cycling world. He went on to win six more Tour de France titles and was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year in 2002 and the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for four consecutive years.
Armstrong retired from racing after his 2005 Tour de France win.
According to the B.C. Cancer Agency, three people are diagnosed every day in the province with some form of blood cancer, which includes leukemia and lymphoma.
They are among the nearly 7,000 Canadians diagnosed every year with blood cancer.
Proceeds from the both events this weekend will go toward research led by Dr. Clay Smith, Senior Scientist in the Terry Fox Laboratory at the BC Cancer Agency and head of the Leukemia and Bone Marrow Transplant Program of B.C. Sunday's event raised $1.8 million.
