Magnificent Seven for Lance

Lance Armstrong rounded off his glittering career in style this afternoon by securing his record-breaking seventh Tour de France victory in the streets of Paris.

Armstrong, surrounded by his Discovery Channel team-mates, crossed the finishing line on the Champs Elysees towards the back of the peloton in the final stage which had been won by Alexander Vinokourov of Kazakhstan.

Handed a microphone by Tour legend Bernard Hinault, Armstrong paid tribute to second-placed Ivan Basso and his long-time rival Jan Ullrich who finished third.

Ullrich, who won the Tour in 1997 when Armstrong was sidelined from the sport with cancer, has been the American's main rival during his glory reign.

"To end my career on this podium, it's a really great podium," he said, flanked by Basso and Ullrich.

Turning to Ullrich he said: "This is really the guy who has challenged me - he is a special man and a special person."

Referring to Basso, he said: "Ivan, he's tough, too tough to race because he is a friend and maybe he is the future of the Tour de France."

Armstrong fired one parting shot at critics who have used several recent drugs controversies to cast doubt on the integrity of cycling.

He said: "To people who can't believe in cycling - the cynics, the sceptics - I feel sorry for you. I'm sorry you can't believe in miracles."

He ended in French, saying "Vive le Tour".

Armstrong ends his career as the most successful rider in the 102-year history of what is widely considered sport's most gruelling challenge.

No other man has won more than five Tours.