Seventh Heaven

Written by

in

Armstrong’s last ride ends with victory

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.

[…]

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-borne 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.

On Monday, he’ll be on a beach in the south of France, “with a beer, having a blast,” he said.

Simply the best. I’ll wager that beer is going to be mighty tasty.