In front of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, the sea or riders prepare for a great night
(Photo: Nike, Susan Goldman)
We haven't been shy about our support and excitement about Lance's comeback and his fierce focus and determination in the battle against cancer (Too Much Lance?). Last night in Los Angeles, over 700 people from the worlds of art, cycling, entertainment and sports rode down Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood to celebrate the partnership between art, bikes and the fight against cancer. RBA was there for the ride and to witness Lance's ability to transform, transcend and push for a greater global awareness about cancer. Now, he's enlisted artists around the world.
WHAT IS "STAGES?"
“Stages” brings together more than twenty of the world’s most creative and diverse artists to produce original works of art inspired by Armstrong and his mission to raise awareness of the global cancer burden. This unique project brings together the world of art, philanthropy and sport, in a way never before seen, to create artwork that represents the power of human potential in overcoming adversity.
 From left, Lance Armstrong, Nike CEO Mark Parker and Shepard Fairey pose in front of a mural done by Fairey at Nike Sportswear at the Montalbán in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles.
(Photo: Nike, Susan Goldman)
To help kick off the “Stages” artist tour, Lance Armstrong led 700
cyclists on a two-mile community bike ride in Los Angeles today
beginning at the Children’s Hospital on Sunset Boulevard and ending at
the Montalbán Theater. Following the ride, Lance was joined by several
of the artists participating in the project to unveil Shepard Fairey’s
latest work of art inspired by Lance Armstrong. To close the night out,Ben Harper showed up and played an animated set with his new band, The Relentless Seven (all from Austin, Texas).
SEE YOU IN PARIS
“Nike has been a committed partner in driving global awareness of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, while raising millions to help in the fight against cancer,” said Mark Parker, President and CEO of Nike, Inc. “The “Stages” tour brings people together, using their talents to inspire and engage more people in the fight against cancer.” Once it’s unveiled in Paris, each one-of-a-kind work of art will go on sale with proceeds benefiting the LAF. The exhibit will also travel to New York, Portland, Oregon and LA with final dates to be announced. “This year it’s about more than winning the race. It’s about people coming together to use our talents and abilities for a cause bigger than ourselves and doing everything within our power to help those in their fight to overcome cancer,” said Lance Armstrong. “This endeavor will help raise awareness and much needed funds for the foundation and those who need it most, researchers, patients, and their families.”
To further support the fight against cancer, Nike is releasing two sportswear collections, all proceeds of which will be contributed to the LAF. There will be a “Hope Rides Again” apparel and footwear collection and footwear “Greatest Hits” pack. Artists participating in the “Stages” tour include: Shepard Fairey, Tom Sachs, Geoff McFetridge, Raymond Pettibon, José Parlá, Ed Ruscha, Kaws, Christopher Wool, Dzine, Eric White, Barry McGee, Kenny Scharf, Os Gêmeos, Marc Newson, Rosson Crow, Taryn Simon, JR, Yoshitomo Nara, Suejin Chung, Lari Pittman, Aaron Young and Jules de Balincourt.
 The "Greatest Hits" footwear collection
Lance has also commissioned artists to create one-off race bikes for his return. On display at the event was a KAWS designed Milan-San Remo bike All artists
will begin working on their pieces between now and July, leading to an
exhibition at the world renowned Emmanuel Perrotin Gallery in Paris on
July 16th, 2009.
 Lance's new Milan-San Remo race bike designed by KAWS.
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