Paris, France - the final stage of the Tour de France 2009 - came down to a tight sprint race with Mark Cavendish of Team HTC, the world's fastest stage sprinter, claiming victory in the 121 mile race..jpg)
The Champs-Élysées race Tour de France 2009 closes with Spaniard and Team USA member Alberto Contador winning the tour with teammate and Livestrong Foundation founder - Lance Armstrong - placing third overall.
The yellow jersey, the true prize of the Tour, goes onto the shoulders of Alberto Contador, his second win at the Tour de France in his newly born career.
On Saturday the Spaniard virtually assured his second yellow jersey with a huge lead over his rivals, showing seven-time champion Lance Armstrong, his teammate at Astana, he is now stage racing's undisputed world champion.
Armstrong, always the competitor, chose not to celebrate Contador's win on Saturday and instead chose to celebrate with Team RadioShack over drinks.
Looking disappointed after the Paris race, Armstrong mentioned Contador may have his weaknesses "but I'm not going to mention what they are, I will keep them to myself."
Seeking to take a break from racing, Armstrong was quoted on Saturday as saying "I am ready to go home, it's been a long three weeks as usual," he said. "It's stressful and there are a lot of commitments outside of riding the bike race. I am ready to go on vacation for sure."
Tour de France 2009 overall standings
- 1. Juan Manuel Garate, Spain, Rabobank, 4 hours, 39 minutes, 21 seconds;
- 2. Tony Martin, Germany, Team Columbia-Highroad, three seconds behind;
- 3. Andy Schleck, Luxembourg, Team Saxo Bank, :38;
- 4. Alberto Contador, Spain, Astana, same time;
- 5. Lance Armstrong, U.S., Astana, :41;
- 6. Frank Schleck, Luxembourg, Team Saxo Bank, :43;
- 7. Roman Kreuziger, Czech Republic, Liquigas, :46;
- 8. Franco Pellizotti, Italy, Liquigas, :56;
- 9. Vincenzo Nibali, Italy, Liquigas, :58;
- 10. Bradley Wiggins, Britain, Garmin-Slipstream, 1:03;
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