PARIS, July 24: Lance Armstrong won an unprecedented seventh Tour de France on Sunday, closing the curtain on one of the most extraordinary cycling careers ever.

The American safely crossed the line in the peloton at the end of the 144.5-km final stage on the Champs Elysees.

The last climb in his career was to the podium, on which he stood next to second-placed Italian Ivan Basso and the rider he beat most often, Germany’s Jan Ullrich.

With his children by his side, the most successful Tour rider in history looked to the sky while the Star Spangled Banner was played for him for the seventh and last time.

Points classification winner Thor Hushovd of Norway and Denmark’s King of the Mountains Michael Rasmussen brought a Nordic touch to the Texan’s farewell ceremony.

Ukraine’s Yaroslav Popovych, the best under-25 rider in the Tour, gave hope to Armstrong’s Discovery Channel team mates that the yellow jersey might stay with them next season.—Reuters