Tour of Hope ends on bright note despite grey skies

Team succeeds in bringing cancer research message to millions in 3,300-mile, nine day journey across the United States

Lance Armstrong introduces the 2005 Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope Team at the event's finale on Oct. 8 in Washington, DC.

WASHINGTON, DC – The Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope concluded Oct. 8 differently than planned due to soaking rain, but with vigor and commitment to continue the mission to support cancer research that the wet weather could not dampen.

Tour of Hope Team members joined Lance Armstrong for their final stage around Washington, DC in the rain, and were met with a heroes’ welcome at the JW Marriott hotel ballroom, the site of the finale event when flooding forced the cancellation of activities on the Ellipse.

Emcee Wendy Chioji, a member of the 2003 Tour of Hope Team, interviews 2005 Team member Becky Lamph at the finale celebration in Washington, DC on Oct. 8.

Emcee Wendy Chioji, a member of the 2003 Team, introduced the Tour of Hope cancer partner organizations and other special guests, and Lance and Peter Dolan joined her on stage to introduce the Tour of Hope riders. The Team finally made its long-awaited arrival, walking down an aisle formed by cheering family members. Lance shared some of his experiences of riding with them this year.

The group of family and close friends watched “Nine Days of Hope,” a video depiction of the riders’ journey across the country. Lance and Peter Dolan then thanked the Team for successfully completing its mission. The riders looked like they were going to simply explode with happiness. Hugs and kisses abounded, and a phenomenal finish was truly achieved. The riders then came up and told several stories from the road - from people who had literally reached out to them for hope to great cycling efforts by Tour riders along the way.

Dolan expressed thanks to Lance and to the Team on behalf of Bristol-Myers Squibb and cancer patients worldwide, and expressed his hope for the future. “Our riders have been terrific. Through their individual personal appearances at events and interviews along the way, they have brought the message of the Tour of Hope to millions of people,” he said.

The 2005 Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope Team is introduced at the finale in Washington, DC on Oct. 8.

“I hope today’s incredible event isn’t really a Finale, but rather just the beginning,” Dolan continued. “The extraordinary accomplishments of the 2005 Tour of Hope Team will live on through all of us as we spread the news about the importance and significance of clinical trials and the power they offer to those who are diagnosed with cancer today, and the promise of better medicines for future generations to come.”

The Tour of Hope left San Diego on September 29 and the cyclists, all members of the cancer community, rode the 3,300 miles around the clock relay style to reach our nation’s capital in nine days. Along the way, the riders made nearly a dozen stops -- in cities such as Houston, Austin, Jackson and Atlanta, and communities including Safford, AZ, El Paso and Charlotte, NC to share their personal stories and rally support for cancer research. They were met by enthusiastic crowds who embraced the mission of the Tour – to increase awareness of and participation in cancer clinical trials.