Armstrong wins fifth successive Tour

American Lance Armstrong claimed a record-equalling fifth consecutive Tour de France title in Paris today, sipping champagne en route to completing his triumph on the Champs Elysees.

The US Postal rider held off the challenge of nearest rival Jan Ullrich to claim the Tour crown and confirm his place among the greatest ever cycling heroes.

Frenchman Jean-Patric Nazon won the 20th and final stage in the competition‘s centennial year after a thrilling finale, pipping Australians Robbie McEwan and Baden Cooke to the line.