Lance skips France in favor of Iowa

Lance Armstrong, winner of the Tour de France the last seven consecutive years, is passing up Paris this summer to ride RAGBRAI. "My Julys are free now," Armstrong said in a telephone interview this afternoon.

That's because this will be the first year since 1999 Armstrong hasn't been riding in, and winning, the most prestigious bicycle race in the world. He's heard about RAGBRAI for years and he says he'll be here.

Armstrong said he hopes to be on the ride for "several days. "RAGBRAI, the oldest and largest event of its kind in the world, begins in Sergeant Bluff on July 23 and ends July 29 in Muscatine. Along the way, there are overnight stops in Ida Grove, Audubon, Waukee, Newton, Marengo and Coralville. He's not sure which portion of the week he'll ride. "This wouldn’t be a one-year commitment," he said. "We’d obviously want to be back next year if we behave ourselves."

The 34-year-old Armstrong, a cancer survivor, also plans to meet with Iowans and encourage them to question presidential candidates campaigning prior to the 2008 caucuses about cancer research funding.

RAGBRAI BASICS

What is RAGBRAI?
RAGBRAI, The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state. Heading into its 33rd year, RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world. RAGBRAI is sponsored by The Des Moines Register.

When is RAGBRAI?
July 23-29, 2006. (It is always the last full week of July)

What is the route?
Route Map (PDF)

How many miles is the ride?
The seven-day total mileage for RAGBRAI averages 472 miles while the daily mileage averages 68 miles. There is an optional century loop on one day each year for cyclists wanting the challenge.