Cycling: Lance Armstrong and Cancer Community Seek Cyclists to Participate in 2004 Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope(TM)

PRINCETON, N.J., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Cancer survivor and five-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company announced today that they will partner again this year to inspire and invigorate the public about the importance of cancer research through the 2004 Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope(TM). The cross-country cycling event will begin in Los Angeles on Friday, October 1 and will conclude in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 9 with a grand finale celebration and public recreational ride.

"I had the honor at one of our stops last year to meet a special cancer survivor -- one of the first people who participated in a research study that ultimately led to the standard of care for testicular cancer," said Lance Armstrong. "The team chosen for this challenging ride will exemplify the same bravery and passion to continue to advance research for the 1.3 million people who will be diagnosed with cancer this year."

The cancer community is seeking survivors, physicians, nurses, caregivers, researchers, advocates, loved ones, and anyone else whose life has been touched by cancer to be part of this extraordinary experience this fall. Twenty people who possess the cycling ability and physical endurance to ride over 100 miles a day for eight days, combined with a passionate commitment to support cancer research, will be selected for the cross-country team.

Applications for the 20-person team and information on other ways to become involved can be found at www.tourofhope.org. The deadline for the cross-country team applications is midnight, April 4, 2004.

"The Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope epitomizes the winning spirit that may one day overcome cancer," said Peter R. Dolan, chairman and chief executive officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "Clearly there is a tremendous need to raise public awareness about the importance of clinical trials, while at the same time providing useful information on preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. These riders will carry that message forward, and inspire the nation along the way."

Cancer is a disease that touches nearly everyone. Three out of every four American families will have at least one family member diagnosed with cancer. For decades, scientists have been searching for answers to unlock the mysteries of the disease. Today, hundreds of potential new treatments are waiting to be studied. However, the search for a cure is being slowed due to the less than five percent of eligible adults who participate in cancer research studies.

"Participating in the national ride last year was an immensely rewarding experience," said cancer survivor and 2003 Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope(TM) Team member Steven Friedman of Chevy Chase, Md. "We rode through deserts, climbed mountains and crossed over rivers. We visited cancer centers along the route, and connected with survivors, families and doctors. But most importantly, we made a difference in the fight against cancer by urging others to support clinical research."

The following cancer community organizations are partners in the 2004 Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope(TM): CancerCare, Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, the Coalition of National Cancer Cooperative Groups, Lance Armstrong Foundation, the National Coalition of Cancer Survivorship, and the Oncology Nursing Society.

Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global pharmaceutical and related health care products company whose mission is to extend and enhance human life.