Armstrong takes stock after historic triumph

Lance Armstrong will take his time before deciding whether he will attempt to win the Tour de France for an incredible seventh successive time.

The American rider yesterday completed an unprecedented sixth Tour victory and took his place in the history books as the most successful of all competitors in cycling’s most gruelling and most famous race.

The victory enabled Armstrong to surpass five-time Tour winners Miguel Indurain, Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx and the late Jacques Anquetil in the record books.

But the big question was whether the 32-year-old would return next year to retain his title. The answer was vague but verging on the affirmative.

“I’m going to think about it in the next few months,” he said.

“I’m sure I will be back. Whatever happens I’ll be back some time in my career.”