Lance Wins for Missouri

by Caryn Giarratano, Ph.D.
Senior Transportation Planner
Missouri Department of Transportation


I met Lance Armstrong! He was scheduled to speak Nov. 5, 2003, at the University of Missouri - Rolla through the Remmer’s Speaker Program. As the state bicycle and pedestrian program coordinator with the Missouri Department of Transportation, I was granted the status of dignitary and given two minutes to meet the greatest athlete in the world.

As I sat alone in a basement conference room at the Bullman Multi-Purpose Center waiting for Lance, his entourage, the media and the lecture organizers to join me, I mentally rehearsed the sentence I wanted to say to him as I shook his hand. I wanted to make him feel at ease, like he was a normal business associate. I wanted him to understand that his importance to me transcends his winning bicycle races or overcoming cancer.

Suddenly he walked into the room…no media, no entourage…just the winner of five consecutive Tours! I stood, fighting the impulse to bow at the waist, and instead offered my hand. He looked rested and relaxed with the air of a weekend runner on the way to the park. As he shook my hand and I mumbled my name, my brain synapses froze.

His handshake was firm but gentle, and he seemed shy. It appeared almost as if he were embarrassed by all the hoopla he was causing. He behaved like the boy next door… not a celebrity. He was casually dressed and very polite as he asked if there was water in the room.

Like an elementary student, not the adult professional I intended to represent, I blurted, “You’re my hero!” He ducked his head in embarrassment and I blushed with anger at my stupidity. He accepted the St. Christopher bicycle necklace and the bottle of water I offered, and he autographed my copy of his latest book. He graciously posed for a photograph with me, embracing my shoulder as if we were friends.

The 4,000 people who packed the gym for his lecture gave him three standing ovations and listened raptly as he spoke about his battle with cancer and his efforts to regain excellence as a bicycle racer. He spoke from his heart and without notes. He credited his team and coach for his success and expressed regret that he stood alone to receive the rewards for winning. He took questions and answered them well with a humble sense of humor. He seemed surprised by and appreciative of the number of bicyclists in the crowd. As his story unfolded, the audience was moved to laughter and tears.

Several members of the audience were allowed to approach the stage to receive a handshake, hug or autograph from Lance. All spoke of how they felt connected to this man. When he was ushered out of the room, the respectful audience barely restrained the impulse to chase after him. All seemed to want to have his attention…to shake his hand, to hug him, to tell him how he had touched their lives and made them better. All seemed impressed by his grit in overcoming cancer and success at winning bicycle races, including me.

But three hours later, I remained so pumped full of excitement that I could not sleep. I wanted a second chance to tell him my heartfelt message…I am grateful for his wise use of the spotlight shone upon him to elevate bicycling to mainstream recognition. Every intelligent American has heard his name, knows he rides a bicycle, and due to media coverage, thinks about bicycling. The next step is to create legislation and transportation facilities to make Missouri a better place in which to ride a bicycle.

Winning means a lot more than crossing the line first in a bike race. Pedal hard, Bike Boy!!!

Dr. Giarratano (BS, MA, EDS, PhD), an avid bicyclist since 1990, is the Missouri Department of Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator. Coworkers call her the Bike Lady. She founded a local bicycle club in her city in 1990 and the statewide advocacy group, Missouri Bicycle Federation, in 1993. She is a former USCF racer and race official and belongs to three bicycle clubs and the local running club. She has 15 years experience as a classroom teacher and five years as a school principal. She is married to the love of her life (her tandem partner) and has two beautiful children (who also ride!).

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