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Chris O'Dowd, Ben Foster In First Trailer For 'The Program', Depicting Battle Between Lance Armstrong And Journalist David Walsh

FIRST LOOK: Chris O'Dowd On Fine Form In First Lance Armstrong Film Trailer
Caroline Frost
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The first trailer for the new film detailing the downfall of Lance Armstrong has been released, revealing the conflict between the apparently all-conquering cyclist and the journalist determined to unravel the lies around him, David Walsh.

'The Program' stars Ben Foster as the superstar cyclist, determined to squash anyone who dared voice their beliefs that his victories were the result of anything other than an iron will, and Irish actor Chris O'Dowd as the Sunday Times journalist who did exactly that - from the first day he saw Lance back in the saddle following his treatment for cancer in the 1990s.

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Ben Foster plays Lance Armstrong, whose cycling victories inspired millions

The film, directed by Oscar-nominated Stephen Frears and from the Working Title stable, is based on David Walsh's memoir of how he tirelessly pursued doctors, teammates, sponsors and ultimately Lance himself in his belief that a massive lie was being foisted on cycling fans, and all those who supported Lance Armstrong and his LiveStrong charity foundation.

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...And Chris O'Dowd as the journalist determined to unravel his lies

Lance Armstrong was eventually robbed of his record-breaking seven Tour de Force titles in 2012. At the time, he stressed his innocence but later confessed his culpability in a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey. He said he had taken drugs, but he didn't consider it cheating, because that meant stealing an unfair advantage and, to his mind, everyone in the race was doing the same thing, so it was a level playing field.

'The Program' will be in UK cinemas later in the year.

10 Things To Know About Lance Armstrong
He Has Five Kids ...(01 of08)
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... currently ages 12, 10, 10, 2 and 1. For those who are old enough to do so, they were the last in their grades to start riding bikes. Lance Armstrong waves to his one year-old son, Max, as his children, Isabelle, Luke and Grace look on, on July 20, 2010 in Pau, Southwestern France. (JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
He's On The Engine 2 Diet(02 of08)
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The Engine 2 Diet, created by Rip Esselstyn (who just happens to be one of Armstrong's training partners), is a plant-based diet focused on natural, organic foods. According to Armstrong, he's less tired physically and sharper mentally than he's ever been. (credit:Whole Foods)
He Drinks Wine(03 of08)
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He may love his new Engine 2 diet, but Armstrong readily admits he's not prepared to go all the way with it yet, sticking to it for breakfast and lunch only. "I still want to have a glass of wine at dinner," he says.Lance Armstrong drinks champagne during the 20th and last stage of the 91st Tour de France cycling race in Paris, 25 July 2004. (PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
He's Not Going Into Politics(04 of08)
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Although there have been rumours that he's running for office, Armstrong has dismissed those, explaining that bipartisanship is far more beneficial for his organization. He also notes that it would be too difficult to drag his young kids through the "nasty nature of that world."New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Lance Armstrong tour the Union Square Green Market October 30, 2009 .(TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
He Rides His Bike From The Airport(05 of08)
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When he's travelling with his bike, he'll just hop on it and ride home. And you thought you were being good taking public transit?Fans cheer on Tour de France seven-times winner, US Lance Armstrong, as he rides on July 11, 2010 in the 189 km and 8th stage of the 2010 Tour de France cycling race. (JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
His Retirement Includes Ironman Competitions(06 of08)
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Armstrong will be participating in his second Ironman event this year on April 1, in an attempt to qualify for the World Championships in October.Lance Armstrong waits for the start of the Ironman Panama 70.3. triathlon in Panama City, Sunday Feb. 12, 2012. The race consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco) (credit:AP)
He Isn't Only Concerned About Cancer(07 of08)
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"If we don't somehow stem the tide of childhood obesity, we're going to have a huge problem," he says. "It's all about prevention. I mean, prevention is a key factor with so many types of cancer, so whether that's encouraging kids to exercise, or even encouraging adults to exercise, whether that's encouraging kids to not smoke, encouraging kids to stop smoking -- all these preventative measures have, I think, been ignored for the most part."Lance Armstrong gives a speech during the Livestrong Global Cancer Campaign Launch visit to cancer survivors at Groote Schuur Hospital on March 11, 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
He Doesn't Support Helmet Laws ...(08 of08)
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... but he does consider wearing them part of a prevention strategy. "I mean, people can do whatever they want," he explains. "Whether it's not smoking, whether it's wearing a helmet, putting on your seatbelt -- these are all simple measures that we know to save lives."A man takes a cycle helmet in a new B'Twin bike shop in Lille, northern France, on the inauguration day of the 'B'Twin Village', a bike complex, on November 18, 2010. (DENIS CHARLET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)

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