WATERLOO, WI, Nov. 3, 2009 (Marketwire) --

WATERLOO, WI -- (Marketwire) -- 11/03/09 -- Watch out cancer, you're really in for it this time. Through the sale of just seven custom painted, one-of-a-kind Trek bicycles, the "It's About the Bike" auction, held November 1st at Sotheby's in New York City, generated an unprecedented $1.25 million to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation's cancer research, awareness, and advocacy programs.

Sunday's auction represents the zenith of STAGES, a global art exhibition designed to raise both funds and awareness for cancer research, treatment, and prevention. Over 20 renowned artists devoted their expertise and created unique artwork to be showcased and ultimately auctioned off to benefit Armstrong's cancer-fighting foundation, LiveStrong.

As part of STAGES, Trek, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Nike and some of the most recognized and influential contemporary artists from across the globe teamed up to create a unique collection of bicycles that blur the lines separating art, culture, and technology. Armstrong then raced the eye-catchingly unique Trek Madone, TTX and Speed Concept bikes throughout his 2009 return to professional cycling, including stages of the Tour de France.

"Each of these artists gave their time to this cause," said Armstrong in a LiveStrong press release. "Through the dollars that we raise, we'll increase awareness, fund research and work to end the stigma about cancer that many survivors face."

Raising an unprecedented $500,000, the exhibition's undisputed favorite was the Damien Hirst-designed "Butterfly" Trek Madone, which featured hundreds of real, shimmering insect wings affixed to the bicycle's frame and rims. Armstrong rode the distinctive piece of artwork during the final stage of the 2009 Tour de France.

Other bikes auctioned included Shepard Fairey's elaborately decaled Trek Madone, ridden by Armstrong during this year's Giro d'Italia, which generated $110,000, and Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara's Trek Speed Concept, ridden by Armstrong during the 2009 Tour de France's Annecy time trial stage, which garnered $200,000.

Trek and its custom bike program, Project One, have a rich tradition of partnering with Lance Armstrong to create tailor-made bikes, starting with the "Sabreline" Project One bike Armstrong rode briefly during the 2002 Tour de France.