Lance Armstrong Officially Calls it Quits, Retires After Illustrious Career

Lance Armstrong has decided to leave professional cycling for good. And this time he means it.

The seven-time Tour de France winner has retired before, but this comeback appears to be his last. He put a face and name to a sport that has been generally been in obscurity in the United States.

I can't say I have any regrets, said Armstrong to the Associated Press from his office in Austin, Texas. It's been an excellent ride. I really thought I was going to win another tour. Then I lined up like everybody else and wound up third.

This ends Armstrong's comeback, which he started in 2009, four years after his first retirement. He finished 65th in his last race.

Despite his great career success, the 39-year old has been subjected to a great deal of criticism. He was accused by former teammate and 2006 tour champion Floyd Landis of using drugs and of instructing other cyclists of how to beat the test.

But Armstrong is also known for his dedication to raise money and awareness to fight cancer. He had a life-threatening bout with testicular cancer in 1996, and three years later won his first Tour de France title.

He would go on to win a record seven consecutive titles.