American cycling legend Lance Armstrong arrived in Costa Rica to participate in the Ruta de los Conquistadores, a tough mountain biking event that crosses the Central American country from the Pacific to the Caribbean.
«Let’s see what happens, I want to enjoy the race and live this adventure. They have told me that the Route is very hard and I am no longer at my best level as a high performance cyclist, but I hope to enjoy it a lot and especially to finish it, “Armstrong told reporters this Wednesday.
The 47-year-old cyclist spoke to the press after visiting a shelter for children with cancer in San José, where he spent about an hour with the minors.
«I am very happy to be here in Costa Rica, now I have come to greet these children who are the ones who really carry a battle in life. I had cancer and I am here, alive. They have to have that message, “said Armstrong after greeting about 30 children at the shelter.
Armstrong overcame testicular cancer in 1996 that spread to other organs, and subsequently won the Tour de France seven times.
However, their triumphs were marred by reports of doping.
Armstrong will participate in the Pathfinder Route as a guest of the organizers.
The competition will begin this Thursday on the beach of Jacó, in the Pacific, and will conclude three days later on the Caribbean coast. AFP