PICTURE PERFECT SEND-OFF FOR LANCE AND TOUR OF HOPE TEAM AS THEY BEGIN THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME

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SAN DIEGO (September 29) -- Lance Armstrong and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope Team were met with sunshine, blue skies and a crowd of 2,000 people for their send-off at the Scripps Green Hospital.

An enthusiastic crowd gathers to rally Lance and the Tour of Hope Team at the kick off at Scripps Green Hospital near San Diego.

It was an emotional time for the Team as they were introduced to the crowd before they embarked on the journey that will take them across the country to share their passion for cancer research.

Noted sportscaster Dick Enberg served as emcee for the event. Dr. Chris Van Gorder, CEO of Scripps Health, host of the Tour of Hope kick off, addressed the crowd and presented the challenge to continue making strides in cancer research and treatment. Bristol-Myers Squibb CEO Peter Dolan echoed his comments, and highlighted the evolution of the Tour of Hope and the significance of its mission. The profound importance of the Tour of Hope and its powerful reach was demonstrated recently, Dolan said, when Team member Jennifer Hartley chose to remain on the Team and complete the ride despite losing her home in Hurricane Katrina.

Cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France champion introduces the 2005 Tour of Hope Team at the kick off September 29 in San Diego.

After a brief introduction by Dolan, Lance Armstrong emphasized his personal goal to help find better treatments for cancer. Lance introduced the Team to the audience for their final appearance and ride together before splitting up into relay teams to travel across the country.

Dr. Van Gorder and San Diego City Councilman Scott Peters presented Lance with a city proclamation commending him on his efforts in the fight against cancer, and gave him the 10,000 Promises signed by the San Diego and Scripps Health community.

Lance Armstrong is out in front as the Tour of Hope Team departs Scripps Green Hospital near San Diego to embark on their cross country journey.

More than 200 people in yellow t-shirts, most of them cancer survivors, lined the pathway as Lance and the riders departed for points east!

Bristol-Myers Squibb CEO Peter Dolan and Lance Armstrong ride out of San Diego.