In 1999, Lance Armstrong made world headlines with the most stunning comeback in the history of sport, winning the Tour de France in the fastest ever time after battling against life-threatening testicular cancer just eighteen months previously. His first book, It's Not About the Bike, charted his journey back to life and went on to become an international bestseller, and won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2000. Now, in his much-anticipated follow-up, Armstrong shares more details of his extraordinary life story, including a remarkable four more Tour de France wins, an Olympic medal, and the births of his twin daughters Grace and Isabel. Never shy of controversy, Armstrong offers, with typical frankness, his thoughts on training, competing, winning and failure. He also tells of the work he does for the foundation he created following his dramatic recovery, addresses the daunting challenge of living in the aftermath of cancer and treatment, and shares further inspirational tales of survival. A fresh outlook on the spirit of survivors everywhere, Every Second Counts is an awe-inspiring book by a man who strives every day to meet life's challenges - whether on his bike or off.

About the Author

Lance Armstrong is one of America's greatest ever sportsmen, having won the Tour De France a record five times. In 1996 he established the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a charity to aid the fight against cancer. He lives in Texas with his wife and three children.

Prizes

The much-anticipated follow-up to the international bestseller It's Not About the Bike, by cancer survivor and five-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong - Every Second Counts has already sold over 50,000 copies in hardback.

Reviews

Unequivocally the world's greatest cycling race, the Tour de France is an arduous three-week, 20-stage ride that tests both the physical fitness and the mental toughness of its participants. These two books pay homage to the event in different ways. A beautiful coffee-table work produced in collaboration with the French sports daily, L'Equipe, The Official Tour de France celebrates the race's centenary this year. Interspersed throughout this definitive, year-by-year account are wonderful photographs, 200 in color and 500 in black and white. In an appendix, readers will find information on podium placings, total victories by riders, champions by nation, and winners of the yellow, green, and polka-dot jerseys. With a foreword by Lance Armstrong. Speaking of Armstrong, one quickly runs out of superlatives to describe the four-time Tour de France winner who has survived testicular, brain, and lung cancer. In his previous biography, It's Not About the Bike, also co-written with Washington Post journalist Jenkins, he documented his early life and career and his battle with cancer, culminating with his first Tour victory. Every Second Counts chronicles the challenge an athlete faces living in the aftermath of his experiences, when each day is a precious gift. The work describes his recent cycling achievements, being cancer-free for five years, and dedication to the foundation that bears his name, which helps cancer patients worldwide. An inspirational read that has the makings of another best seller. Both books are worthy additions for all public libraries. [Armstrong's book was previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/03.]-Larry R. Little, Penticton P.L., B.C. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Lance Armstrong's story is the stuff of legends', Independent .'With sports books, as in the cinema, sequels usually disappoint. But cycling legend Lance Armstrong's follow-up to his bestseller It's Not About the Bike is an exception...He is a genuine hero...', Sunday Telegraph

Armstrong-only the second rider ever to win five consecutive Tours de France-is a man with a healthy ego. And he has a right to one: not only is he one of the world's foremost athletes, he is a cancer survivor and advocate, philanthropist, devoted family man and, as evidenced here with the help of freelancer Jenkins, an accomplished memoirist. This second volume (after It's Not About the Bike) takes Armstrong through the summer of 2002. Though cycling brings him individual glory, it is very much a team sport, and Armstrong is always conscious of this in all aspects of life: "Anyone who imagines they can work alone winds up surrounded by nothing but rivals. The fact is, others have to want you to succeed; no one ascends alone." He gives generous credit to the many people who support him: family, friends, teammates, doctors, nurses, coaches and, especially, other cancer survivors, from whom Armstrong draws strength and encouragement. Armstrong believes cancer was his wake-up call: every second does count-both in bike racing and in life. The book ends on an uncertain note: Armstrong and his wife have separated; he is anticipating the 2003 Tour and contemplating what lies ahead when his racing days are over. But his strong message of hope shines through-this often moving, energetic story offers enough bike lore to satisfy racing aficionados, while still accessible for the reader who's more interested in Armstrong's inspirational approach to life. (Oct.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Adult/High School-In It's Not about the Bike (Putnam, 2000), Armstrong related his battle with cancer and his incredible Tour de France victory. In this book, he gives a gripping account of his second through (record-tying) fifth victories at the Tour. (His latest triumph might be missed by less-than-thorough readers-it's at the very end, following the afterword.) One sees that Armstrong has grown up quite a bit since his first book. However, he still has a reckless streak, as witnessed by his fondness for diving into a place called Dead Man's Hole. There are glimpses into his personal life and reflections on his illness, but this memoir is unabashedly about the thrill of racing and winning with the U.S. Postal Team. Armstrong talks about his teammates with humility and admiration. He also deals frankly, yet with remarkable restraint, with the accusations of doping by the French. The cyclist still works with his Lance Armstrong Foundation against cancer, but readers get the sense that he is definitely looking forward. Warm and informal in tone, Every Second Counts is a must-read for cycling fans.-Sheila Shoup, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.