Armstrong praises 'best overall Tour'

By Tim Maloney

Lance Armstrong has praised Discovery Channel's riders for their efforts at the American squad's "best overall Tour", with the squad looking likely to take two spots on the podium, including the maillot jaune, both the young rider and teams competitions in addition to its two stage wins. Armstrong, a part owner of the Discovery team, arrived in France for the closing days of the Tour, spending his first day in France following 24 year-old Spanish Tour leader Alberto Contador in the team car.

"I have to say that this entire Tour has been a dream for Johan [Bruyneel] and the entire Discovery Channel team," noted Armstrong to Cyclingnews. "In fact, I think we'd have to say that it's the best overall Tour we've ever had as an organisation. Yellow and white for Contador, third on general classification for Levi, overall team GC and two stage wins, amazing!"

After watching Contador's impressive yellow-preserving Time Trial, Armstrong headed north to Paris to meet with the whole Discovery Channel team. The seven time Tour victor praised Contador as an all round rider who will win many Tours.

"I could not be prouder of the boys and the staff," praised Armstrong. "They proved once again that this is the best organisation in the world of cycling. And now we have seen Alberto Condator emerge. We have seen the future of cycling. He's a complete rider - he can climb, Time Trial and is completely poised as a rider. I'm proud of him and look forward to seeing him win many more Tours."