Armstrong completes Le Tour hat-trick

13 April 2012

Lance Armstrong secured his third consecutive Tour de France title on the Champs-Elysees today.  

The Texan finished 70th in the stage, which was won by Jan Svorada of Lampre-Daikin, but safely crossed the finishing line to maintain his advantage over Jan Ullrich.

Erik Zabel took the green points jersey after a closely-contested race with Stuart O'Grady while Laurent Jalabert was crowned King of the Mountains.

"It's the best feeling of the last three (wins)," Armstrong said.

"As always I am happy to finally arrive, to finally finish the Tour. It's a special feeling."

His victory on Sunday had not been in doubt. He had built up a huge lead in the mountains, meaning only sickness or accident could prevent him from claiming the title.

He became the first American to win the Tour three times in a row.

Greg LeMond also won three Tours, but with a two-year gap between his first and second titles.

The Tour record of five wins is held jointly by four riders. Only Spain's Miguel Indurain won all five titles consecutively.

"The fourth (title) is still the first goal," Armstrong said.

"The Tour de France is the most beautiful, the biggest, and most special race in the world for me, and for the United States."

Armstrong finished with a big lead over Ullrich of Germany in the overall standings. Spaniard Joseba Beloki was third.

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