FEATURES
The New American Checkup | 44
After a man summons the courage to get the most cutting-edge medical exam available, the results change his life...and scare him silly. PLUS: A practical, head-to-toe guide to your next checkup. BY CHIP BROWN

99 Health Tips | 52
Who knew cold water burns calories, your tongue's the key to killer crunches, and cheap tuna's better for you than the pricey stuff? Here are 99 amazing new fitness and health tips to help you live long and prosper.

Generation V | 60
The oral history of Viagra, the magical little blue pill that changed male culture forever, as told by scientists, patients, politiciansÉand Ron Jeremy. BY GEORGE GURLEY & SHERI DE BORCHGRAVE

Ed Viesturs | 66
Once a teenager captivated by very tall tales of Annapurna, Ed Viesturs grew up to conquer every 8,000-meter peak in the world -- every one, that is, except Annapurna. In an exclusive, first-person account of his latest expedition, America's greatest climber aims to settle the score with the mountain that beat him twice before. BY ED VIESTURS

The Hero | 74
Lance Armstrong on his toughest rival, how cancer made him a stronger rider, and his final whirl at the Tour de France. BY JOHN WILCOCKSON
PLUS: Robin Williams on riding with his famous friend.

The Rival | 78
Armstrong's archnemesis Jan Ullrich has two options this year: win or go down in Tour history as cycling's ultimate bridesmaid. BY GUY MARTIN

The Team | 82
Discovery, cycling's most feared chain gang, gears up for their upcoming rumble against the rest of the world. BY BEN HEWITT

ADVENTURE
New Frontiers Trailblaze America's newest whitewater, hike Vancouver's brand new North Coast Trail, be the first on your block to hike Bulgaria's Rila Mountains, plus other bold new adventures. 20
The Ultimate Guide to Alaska Whoever called it "Seward's folly" obviously wasn't a climber. Or a paddler. Or a skier, fisherman, or mountain biker. With the continent's highest mountains, greatest glaciers, deepest fjords, and fiercest wildlife, Alaska is America's most spectacular adventure destination. Here's your cheat sheet to a great exploration. 22
First Look Gritty Tex-Mex crime fiction from Cormac McCarthy, an investigative journalist gives garbage the Fast Food Nation treatment, and the comic travels of Monty Python's Michael Palin. PLUS: A new film looks at the rowdy world of quadriplegic rugby. 34

PEAK PERFORMANCE
The Lance Armstrong Workout As Lance shoots for his seventh Tour de France win, his longtime coach reveals how you can work out and eat like the world's greatest athlete. 37
Dr. Bob The good doctor on a mysterious Rocky Mountain fever, how to fix a smashed thumbnail, why your gym might be bad for your health, and smart ways to deal with real depression -- pharmaceutical-free. 43

STYLE
Polo Shirts Eight great shirts for the beach or a backyard barbecue. 88

GEAR GUIDE
Sandals Wear, rinse, repeat. 91
Camping Tents, packs, and sleeping bags for every budget and all kinds of weather. 94
Hot Running Gear to keep the running man cool through the dog days of summer. 96
Tech PDAs and killer travel apps. 101

MISC.
The Record Book The sexiest record-setting mountaineer on earth, the world's first kayak front flip, a wild bike jump, and more. 124
Mail 10
Contributors 15

Cover by: Jonas Karlsson/Sports Illustrated