A recent report from the Paris Cardiovascular Center studied the long term health of athletes who competed in professional cycling and some of the sports biggest events including the Tour de France.  The study showed these individuals had longer life expectancies and a far less chance of developing chronic, life threatening diseases.  On average, former professional cyclists lived 6.3 years longer and had mortality rates that were 41% lower than the general population.  Deaths from cancer were 44% lower and deaths from respiratory disease were 72% lower. The longer life span is likely explained that years of exercise and healthy living, followed by many who remain active with sports and fitness well after they retire, has an significant lifelong benefit to health.  This study is one of many that show the long term effects of a life committed to exercise.  Our advice...get out and exercise.  You will live a longer and healthier life.