When it comes to sporting events that capture the public attention, the Tour de France has always ridden a bit low in the saddle, at least in the U.S. For whatever reason, most Americans fans have never really cottoned to the image of peloton in the Pyrenees. A shame this, because cycling has served up as compelling a story -- and as admirable an athlete -- as sports has ever known. You can read the book, but here are the CliffsNotes: In 1996, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain, requiring surgery and chemotherapy. He returned to cycling in 1998, and, since then, has dominated the Tour de France. In July 2002, he became the first American to win the Tour four times and the fourth cyclist to win four in a row. Incroyable, as the French might say. Though the doubters murmured, pre-race, about Armstrong's vulnerability, by the time the 2,032-mile ride headed to the mountainous stages, Armstrong had drained it of suspense. A complete package of superior riding form, superior conditioning and superior teammates (U.S. Postal Service), Armstrong enjoyed perhaps his easiest Tour win. In the end, he pedaled down the Champs-Elysees and crossed the finish line with a time of 82:05:12, more than seven minutes ahead of the runner-up. At age 31, he is still in his riding prime and his team will likely remain intact next year. Is there anything to stop Armstrong from tying Miguel Indurain's record of five straight Tour victories next year? Or becoming the Tour's first six-time winner, for that matter? A spokesman as well as a spokes man, Armstrong says wins aren't what matters most. "Not four victories or five or even six," he said. "There's never been a Tour de France victory by a cancer survivor before me. That's what I'd like to be remembered for."

--Jon Wertheim

Photograph by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images