Axel Merckx to join Lance Armstrong at Tour of Courage

The British Columbia Cancer Foundation announced today that Axel Merckx, who is currently competing in the Tour de France, will participate in the BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage Community Ride, September 23, featuring Lance Armstrong.

A statement sent by Merckx from France read that "I am delighted to be returning to Vancouver to again help raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation and participate with Lance Armstrong in the BC Cancer Foundation's Tour of Courage Community Ride. The challenges and pain I face as a cyclist are a result of what I choose to do, others did not choose their path through cancer. What they battle is much tougher than anything I have done. I hope my participation can help in some way."

In 2005 Axel took part with his father Eddy Merckx in "an evening of champions", organised by the Wedgewood Cycling Team which raised over $100,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation.

It is expected that other cycling celebrities will be announcing their participation in the coming weeks in what promises to be a star packed peloton.

The Tour of Courage Community Ride will be held at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver on Sunday, September 23 2007 For more details visit www.tourofcourage.ca