PARIS -- One last time, The Star-Spangled Banner rang out over the Champs-Elysees in honor of Lance Armstrong.
One last time, on the podium against the backdrop of the Arc de Triomphe, the cancer survivor who became the greatest cyclist in Tour de France history slipped into the leader's yellow jersey Sunday. This time, it was the winner's jersey, for an unprecedented seventh consecutive year in the world's most grueling race.
He held his yellow cap over his heart as the American anthem played, and his twin 3-year-old daughters, Grace and Isabelle, wore matching yellow dresses.
"Vive le Tour! Forever," Armstrong said.
Vive Lance, the once but not future champion.
It was the end of Armstrong's amazing career, and in retiring a winner he achieved a rare feat in sports -- going out on top. He said his decision was final and that he walks away with no regrets.
"I'm finished," Armstrong told a motorcycle-born TV reporter as he rode a victory lap of the Champs-Elysees, waving to the crowds and accompanied by another rider waving the Stars and Stripes.
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| Lance Armstrong enjoys a toast as he finishes an amazing career. (Getty Images) |
Before that, though, he couldn't resist a parting shot at "the people who don't believe in cycling, the cynics and the skeptics" who suspect that doping is rife and fueled his dominance of the past seven years.
"I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. But this is a hell of a race," he said. "You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets -- this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it."
Race organizers afforded the 33-year-old Texan the unprecedented honor of speaking from the podium. And that came after an unusual ending to the overall race.
With the pavement slick from rain, and Armstrong comfortably ahead, he was declared the winner with 30 miles to go. The rare decision was made rather than risk having a mad dash to the finish in treacherous conditions.
Riders were still racing at the time, with eight laps of the Champs-Elysees to complete, and the stage competition continued.
