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Comeback 2.0: Up Close and Personal
After three years in retirement following his record-setting seventh Tour de France win—which he accomplished after successfully battling the testicular cancer that almost killed him—Lance Armstrong announced his return to professional cycling to help promote a Global Cancer Campaign. Comeback 2.0 is Lance Armstrong’s first-person photo-journal of his 2009 comeback season with the goal to take the LIVESTRONG message around the world..
Heavily illustrated with color photos and text , Comeback 2.0 includes an introduction by Lance that frames his decision to return to competitive cycling followed by journal-like entries written through the course of his comeback season beginning with the Tour Down Under, followed by the Tour of California, his spectacular crash in the first stage of the Vuelta a Castilla y Leon race in Spain that resulted in a broken collar bone, the Giro d’Italia, and finally the Tour de France. The journal entries will accompany spectacular four-color photos, that offer breathtaking views of the race stages as well as intimate, behind-the-scenes shots. Renowned sports photographer and photojournalist Elizabeth Kreutz has been granted unparalled access to Lance’s day-to-day world in this, his most triumphant season. .
Heavily illustrated with color photos and text , Comeback 2.0 includes an introduction by Lance that frames his decision to return to competitive cycling followed by journal-like entries written through the course of his comeback season beginning with the Tour Down Under, followed by the Tour of California, his spectacular crash in the first stage of the Vuelta a Castilla y Leon race in Spain that resulted in a broken collar bone, the Giro d’Italia, and finally the Tour de France. The journal entries will accompany spectacular four-color photos, that offer breathtaking views of the race stages as well as intimate, behind-the-scenes shots. Renowned sports photographer and photojournalist Elizabeth Kreutz has been granted unparalled access to Lance’s day-to-day world in this, his most triumphant season. .
208 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2009
1 person is currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Lance Armstrong
44 books135 followersLance Edward Armstrong is an American former professional road racing cyclist. He achieved international fame for winning the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005, but was stripped of his titles after an investigation into doping allegations, called the Lance Armstrong doping case, found that Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs over his career. As a result, Armstrong is currently banned for life from all sanctioned bicycling events.
At age 16, Armstrong began competing as a triathlete and was a national sprint-course triathlon champion in 1989 and 1990. In 1992, he began his career as a professional cyclist with the Motorola team. Armstrong had success between 1993 and 1996 with the World Championship in 1993, the Clásica de San Sebastián in 1995, Tour DuPont in 1995 and 1996, and a handful of stage victories in Europe, including stage 8 of the 1993 Tour de France and stage 18 of the 1995 Tour de France. In 1996, he was diagnosed with a potentially fatal metastatic testicular cancer. After recovering, Armstrong founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation (now the Livestrong Foundation) to assist other cancer survivors.
Returning to cycling in 1998, Armstrong was a member of the US Postal/Discovery team between 1998 and 2005 when he won his seven Tour de France titles. Armstrong retired from racing at the end of the 2005 Tour de France, but returned to competitive cycling with the Astana team in January 2009, finishing third in the 2009 Tour de France later that year. Between 2010 and 2011, he raced with Team Radio Shack, and retired for a second time in 2011.
Armstrong became the subject of doping allegations after winning the 1999 Tour de France. For years, he denied involvement in doping. In 2012, a United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) investigation concluded that Armstrong had used performance-enhancing drugs over the course of his career and named him as the ringleader of "the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen." While maintaining his innocence, Armstrong chose not to contest the charges, citing the potential toll on his family. He received a lifetime ban from all sports that follow the World Anti-Doping Code, ending Armstrong's competitive cycling career. The International Cycling Union (UCI) upheld USADA's decision and decided that his stripped wins would not be allocated to other riders. In January 2013, Armstrong publicly admitted his involvement in doping. In April 2018, Armstrong settled a civil lawsuit with the United States Department of Justice and agreed to pay US$5 million to the U.S. government after whistleblower proceedings were commenced by Floyd Landis, a former team member.
At age 16, Armstrong began competing as a triathlete and was a national sprint-course triathlon champion in 1989 and 1990. In 1992, he began his career as a professional cyclist with the Motorola team. Armstrong had success between 1993 and 1996 with the World Championship in 1993, the Clásica de San Sebastián in 1995, Tour DuPont in 1995 and 1996, and a handful of stage victories in Europe, including stage 8 of the 1993 Tour de France and stage 18 of the 1995 Tour de France. In 1996, he was diagnosed with a potentially fatal metastatic testicular cancer. After recovering, Armstrong founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation (now the Livestrong Foundation) to assist other cancer survivors.
Returning to cycling in 1998, Armstrong was a member of the US Postal/Discovery team between 1998 and 2005 when he won his seven Tour de France titles. Armstrong retired from racing at the end of the 2005 Tour de France, but returned to competitive cycling with the Astana team in January 2009, finishing third in the 2009 Tour de France later that year. Between 2010 and 2011, he raced with Team Radio Shack, and retired for a second time in 2011.
Armstrong became the subject of doping allegations after winning the 1999 Tour de France. For years, he denied involvement in doping. In 2012, a United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) investigation concluded that Armstrong had used performance-enhancing drugs over the course of his career and named him as the ringleader of "the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen." While maintaining his innocence, Armstrong chose not to contest the charges, citing the potential toll on his family. He received a lifetime ban from all sports that follow the World Anti-Doping Code, ending Armstrong's competitive cycling career. The International Cycling Union (UCI) upheld USADA's decision and decided that his stripped wins would not be allocated to other riders. In January 2013, Armstrong publicly admitted his involvement in doping. In April 2018, Armstrong settled a civil lawsuit with the United States Department of Justice and agreed to pay US$5 million to the U.S. government after whistleblower proceedings were commenced by Floyd Landis, a former team member.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 2, 2016
Nice photo-journalism work by Elizabeth Kreutz. For that reason, I'd anxiously anticipated this book when it came out, and I really enjoyed it. Truly inspirational stuff. Indeed, for a while, I even had the poster version of the cover photo on my office wall. At the time, an epic story, beautifully told.
Frankly, it makes me a little sad that Armstrong is listed as a the sole author and Kreutz's name is ignored (even though it's prominently displayed on the cover). Who is fooling who? This is a photo book, and she took the pics!!!
Alas, like many books on the cycling shelf, this one has gravitated from the non-fiction shelf to the fiction shelf, even if the Library of Congress never re-categorized it.
Frankly, it makes me a little sad that Armstrong is listed as a the sole author and Kreutz's name is ignored (even though it's prominently displayed on the cover). Who is fooling who? This is a photo book, and she took the pics!!!
Alas, like many books on the cycling shelf, this one has gravitated from the non-fiction shelf to the fiction shelf, even if the Library of Congress never re-categorized it.
September 20, 2013
Fiction!
July 15, 2019
1999 to 2005 was one of the happiest times in my life. After work I’d go for a 25-mile bike ride and then watch Lance for 2 hours in the Tour de France. Every day for 3 weeks. Not only is the Tour great, but the incredible scenery of France and surrounding countries was an added bonus. This book -- a pictorial book -- brings back those memories.
January 31, 2010
This book is like a quick update of Lance Armstrong's life over the period of about a year, told with pictures and a few sentences. He doesn't waste air/space — his writing is very straightforward; to the point while also coming across very relaxed.
The images are great - my favorite was the one with the giant jar of Nutella. The jar is bigger than the pitcher of orange juice on the table next to it. It says so much about this native Texan to be eating Nutella every morning for breakfast. He has traveled and biked in many places all over the globe. There is so much more than meets the eye. And yet, he's so nonchalant. He is incredibly fit and there are some amazing pictures of him working out or just standing there with every muscle defined. He is even healthy enough to father a fourth child after all the cancer treatments he has endured. What a miracle. He has triumphed in his fight against cancer and in his professional races. There's nothing he can't do that will dim with time. Even if he never wins another Tour de France... he so has conquered life.
Having read an earlier autobiography, I notice a lot of changes in his perspective. He's very calm. He's grateful. He still has that incredible drive that is unique to Lance Armstrong, the winner of seven Tour de France races, but I like him now. Before, I couldn't imagine being friends with such a crazy hothead, but now he has mellowed enough for me to imagine hanging out with him. Even the French seem to be warming to him.
My second favorite picture is second to last, where he's riding in Ireland and invited any cyclists to join him via Twitter. So many showed up - this was something fun, but in everything he does, he is bringing global awareness to the cause of fighting cancer. What a worthy life he leads, so full of purpose and focus.
May God continue to bless Lance Armstrong!
The images are great - my favorite was the one with the giant jar of Nutella. The jar is bigger than the pitcher of orange juice on the table next to it. It says so much about this native Texan to be eating Nutella every morning for breakfast. He has traveled and biked in many places all over the globe. There is so much more than meets the eye. And yet, he's so nonchalant. He is incredibly fit and there are some amazing pictures of him working out or just standing there with every muscle defined. He is even healthy enough to father a fourth child after all the cancer treatments he has endured. What a miracle. He has triumphed in his fight against cancer and in his professional races. There's nothing he can't do that will dim with time. Even if he never wins another Tour de France... he so has conquered life.
Having read an earlier autobiography, I notice a lot of changes in his perspective. He's very calm. He's grateful. He still has that incredible drive that is unique to Lance Armstrong, the winner of seven Tour de France races, but I like him now. Before, I couldn't imagine being friends with such a crazy hothead, but now he has mellowed enough for me to imagine hanging out with him. Even the French seem to be warming to him.
My second favorite picture is second to last, where he's riding in Ireland and invited any cyclists to join him via Twitter. So many showed up - this was something fun, but in everything he does, he is bringing global awareness to the cause of fighting cancer. What a worthy life he leads, so full of purpose and focus.
May God continue to bless Lance Armstrong!
August 26, 2013
I ordered this book at the same time as "It's Not About the Bike." It has been very intriguing to me to learn about his life. The pictures in this book are up close and personal. I read this book in the middle of the other. This book is mostly pictures, with a few short thoughts about each one from Lance himself. The pictures depict many moments in his life. I highly recommend for anyone looking to learn more about Lance. Despite the doping that has plagued his career, he has lived a fairly remarkable life.
November 28, 2012
This book is not about him, is about a reflection of life. and how to fight for it. it really.blow my mind and gave a great sence of comfort. It can be a.greater present for any person that feels weak, a great support lesson.
January 8, 2010
I am a huge fan of Lance Armstrong. And I loved this book. Its a great look into his life.
June 13, 2018
Still one of the best cyclists out there regardless of the PEDs. Great look into Lance’s life and the behind the scenes of a TDF cyclist.
January 13, 2016
COMEBACK 2.0 by Lance Armstrong with photos by Elizabeth Kreutz is a coffee table book. The photos of Lance during his 2008-2009 seasons are excellent which is why Liz Kreutz needs to be on an equal level with Lance when reviewing this book.
The written part of the book can be read in one quick session. Nevertheless, Lance holds nothing back and puts his strong beliefs on everything from Nutella to Obama right here in black and white. However, sometimes his strongest statements are not in writing. One section shows a picture of Lance, Andreas Kloden and Alberto Contador warming up on stationary bikes before a race. About Kloden, Lance writes, “Andreas is a talented rider and total; team player.”. Lance doesn’t even mention Contador in that caption.
Overall it is a good book to add to your cycling collection.
The written part of the book can be read in one quick session. Nevertheless, Lance holds nothing back and puts his strong beliefs on everything from Nutella to Obama right here in black and white. However, sometimes his strongest statements are not in writing. One section shows a picture of Lance, Andreas Kloden and Alberto Contador warming up on stationary bikes before a race. About Kloden, Lance writes, “Andreas is a talented rider and total; team player.”. Lance doesn’t even mention Contador in that caption.
Overall it is a good book to add to your cycling collection.
March 2, 2010
Some great pictures of his second coming, but they largely capture moments DURING the process, not really commentary ON the process -- and certainly no visceral discussion of the motivators FOR the process. This is just the flavor of "up close and personal" I'd expect from a rock star: beguiling personal pictures that are concomitantly intriguing and vapid.
March 16, 2010
I really enjoy reading about / seeing pictures of Lance Armstrong. I added that second bit because this book is mainly a picture book - a glimpse into his life as he came back from "retirement" to ride the Tour de France again in 2009. I've read his previous two books and remain a big fan. This book will give you motivation to push through adversity! Highly recommended.
January 5, 2010
A pictorial view of Lance and his year prior to coming back to compete in the Tour de France. Stunning pictures. Especially interesting were the pictures detailing the intrusiveness of drug testing.
January 7, 2010
A nice picture book of Lance Armstrong's comeback. I really enjoyed it. However, I couldn't help but feel that it was positive PR for Lance. He seemed to always say the right thing.
The big thing I learned is Lance was excited that Obama won the election. I thought he was a Texas republican.
The big thing I learned is Lance was excited that Obama won the election. I thought he was a Texas republican.
January 13, 2010
i liked this book it isnt the best book to actually read but it is good for seeing his life and his kids.......... and its really cool for me because i know him and the kids along with the photographer and kristen lances x-wife she is one of my moms best friends!!!!!
April 12, 2010
I love, love, love Lance Armstrong, but this is not a great book. I went through it in less than an hour, going slowly. The photos are fabulous, but the book has neither enough text nor enough photos. I'd rather recommend It's Not About The Bike.
December 12, 2009
short, cool pictures!
December 23, 2009
This is more of a picture book with captions. Regardless, it was interesting and a quick read.
January 4, 2010
This book is mostly pictures. There is a lot of behinds the scenes stuff you don't see on the Tour de France coverage and it covers a whole year, not just July.
January 1, 2010
A lot of great photos documenting Armstrong's return to racing.When most riders have retired,he went back to to it again.Maybe he should make the song from "Rocky" his theme song.
January 20, 2010
I'm a Lance junkie so I like it.
January 24, 2010
Pretty interesting. Sort of a photographic journal of his comeback to the 2009 Tour de France. Mostly pictures with a little description. My kind of book...
February 2, 2010
Great up close look at the world of a professional bike racer.
February 10, 2010
Great photographs!
February 26, 2010
Mainly photos, but such a wonderful look at an amazing athlete who is out there to spread a message, not only to win and gain fans.
May 6, 2010
Can't wait to see how he does this year!
July 15, 2010
This is a coffee table type book of photos. Something you just kind of sit down and flip through. It's great if you're a fan of Lance and cycling. Great pictures.
August 21, 2010
An interesting visual accompaniment to the first two books.
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June 1, 2011I can't rate it cuz it didn't catch my interest....
Read
July 28, 2011A great photo collection/coffee table book about Lance's comeback year in 2009.
October 8, 2011
Mostly a photo book, but cool, and good caption text.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews