Armstrong Eyes Hopeful Future
San Antonio Express-News, Sports, People & Places, Jan 15, 1997

He is wearing a cap to hide a bald head and two deep scars, the result of cancer and brain surgery. It is just one of the adjustments Lance Armstrong has to make these days. "Just mentally, knowing that you are fighting for your life," he says. "Oh, I'm scared."

Armstrong, 25, the former world cycling champion, was in Paris on Tuesday with his new cycling team. The French squad Cofidis signed him as their leader for reportedly more than $1 million a year. That was before he discovered he had cancer. His contract has been renegotiated, with a smaller salary and a number of performance bonuses, based on when he returns to cycling. "I have no idea when I'll race again," Armstrong said.

He has been cycling since the announcement he had cancer and hopes to be back to competition by the middle of the cycling season. "I am ready to return but it depends on what the doctor says and how training goes," Armstrong said.