Tour de France, Day 9

Even though the Tour had one more stage to go, stage 20 marked the end of racing for the general classification, and offered Armstrong one last chance to take a stage in his final trip round France.

Having opted against a ride, we instead headed straight for Saint-Etienne - the start and finish of the final individual time trial. After watching a few of the slower few riders set off for their 55km race against the clock, I took some of the unofficial advice proffered by those in the know in our tour group.

Normally, the Gendarmes ensure that you've got to have just the right security pass in order to get close to the riders before the start of a stage, but on the day of a TT, there's a lot of people coming and going all day long. So, if you're feeling confident and the boys in blue are looking the other way, it's not too hard to jump the fence and take a closer look. Once you're inside, all you have to do is look like you belong there and you're set!

After getting dragged into a press photographer scrum when Lance turned up to visit Sheryl and his kids, I thought better of it and decided it was time to secure a good vantage spot to watch the race unfold. Thankfully, Pete had already wedged himself against the barrier about 100 m from the finish line. With some deft footwork, then, I too got myself in a prime spot.

If you followed the race at all, then you'll know that today was the day that Rasmussen lost 3rd place in the GC (courtesy of what seemed a countless number of crashes, mechanical issues and flat tyres). It was also the day that Ullrich showed the world he is still an incredible rider by setting what was, at the time, (though not by the end of the day) the fastest time on the course. More importantly, though, it was the day Armstrong clinched his first stage victory of this year's race and his 7th straight Tour de France title.

If you didn't follow the race, well, you missed part of cycling history.

Jolly pink Giants.

The world watches on.

Last minute checks.

Sheryl Crow taking happy snaps of Johan Buyneel and John Kerry.

Lance, the kids and Sheryl.

Tania and the Devil.

The start ramp.

Brad McGee on the way to the start.

Jan Ullrich on his way to claiming a spot on the podium.

Armstrong amongst the security guards.

Looking relaxed.

The finish line.

The crowd watches as Rasmussen loses third place in the GC.

The final corner.

Rogers in World Champion colours.

Here comes Dad.

On his way to stage victory and 7th Tour de France win.

The winning time: 1:11:46.

Just one last formality.