Lance Armstrong makes public appearance

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Thursday, Lance Armstrong made his first public statements in Austin since the recent round of accusations that he used performance enhancing drugs.

"A fellow Texan... a very good father, and someone I'm proud to call my friend, Mr. Lance Armstrong," was how the announcer introduced him. 

Armstrong spoke before the Homebuilders' Association Sunset Builders Show Thursday afternoon at the Austin Convention Center. He made a passing reference to his recent highly-publicized fight with the U.S. Anti Doping Agency.

"In light of recent events," Armstrong said, "I feel it's helpful that I reintroduce myself. My name is Lance Armstrong. I am a cancer survivor. I am a father of five. I'm a native Texan. I am the founder of Livestrong . And I won the Tour de France."

That brought a standing ovation.

Armstrong recently chose not to fight charges that he used performance-enhancing drugs during his Tour de France races. He is currently banned from competition.