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Armstrong has joined the Tour's legends
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Lance Armstrong has set his sights firmly on a record-breaking sixth Tour de France title after claiming his fifth win in cycling's greatest event.
The American became just the fifth man in history to win five Tour titles on Sunday after holding off the challenge of Germany's Jan Ullrich.
But Armstrong acknowleged his latest triumph had been the hardest.
"This was definitely my most difficult race out of the five. I am very, very happy because it is over and I am very tired," he said.
But the Texan added: "I have always loved cycling and next year I will be back to try to win a sixth title."
The US Postal team leader's fifth Tour crown elevated him to an elite group containing Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain who have achieved the feat.
However, the 31-year-old, who has dominated the Tour since 1999,
preferred to acknowledge the efforts of the team behind him.
"This is a great day for me but above all for the US Postal team," Armstrong said. "I would not have managed to win the Tour for the fifth consecutive time without them.
"The fact that this win was so hard to clinch makes it even greater for me.
"I have great admiration for Merckx, Anquetil, Hinault and Indurain.
"They are the giants of cycling, and I don't consider myself like that which is why this is so weird for me."
Sunday's final stage into Paris was won by France's Jean-Patrick Nazon.
Australian Baden Cooke took the points winner's green jersey, French favourite Richard Virenque won the King of the Mountains polka dot jersey, and while Russia's Denis Menchov wore white as best young rider.
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