FLOYD LANDIS hailed the patience and persistence that his parents instilled in him in his youth as he swept to victory in the Tour de France to become the first winner in the post-Lance Armstrong era.

FLOYD LANDIS was yesterday confirmed as Tour de France champion after the traditional final stage finish on the Champs Elysees in Paris.

THE American dominance of the Tour de France looks set to continue as Floyd Landis remained in pole position to win this year’s title going into the final weekend of action.

The American dominance of the Tour de France looks set to continue as Floyd Landis remained in pole position to win this year’s title going into the final weekend of action.

FLOYD LANDIS staged a remarkable recovery to put himself back in Tour de France contention with a dramatic solo win in Morzine.

Floyd Landis staged a remarkable recovery to put himself back in Tour de France contention with a dramatic solo win in Morzine.

OSCAR Pereiro reclaimed the race leader’s yellow jersey on stage 16 of the Tour de France after American rider Floyd Landis fell apart under a succession of attacks from his rivals for overall victory.

FLOYD LANDIS reclaimed the yellow jersey in the Tour de France with fourth place in stage 15, L’Alpe d’Huez.

Floyd Landis reclaimed the yellow jersey in the Tour de France with fourth place in stage 15, L’Alpe d’Huez.

ITALIAN Giuseppe Guerini produced an exceptional display of tactical riding to claim victory on the 153km 19th stage of the Tour de France.

THE final mountain stage of the 2005 Tour de France passed comfortably yesterday for Lance Armstrong who, barring injury or mishap, will accept his seventh consecutive title in Paris on Sunday.