Armstrong will earn his 66th yellow jersey Sunday and, on this Tour, overtook five-time champion Miguel Indurain of Spain, who won 60, for third place in the standings. Merckx won 96, Hinault 78.

Armstrong's single-minded focus on the Tour, his attention to detail, his use of new technologies to save seconds and his ability to recruit, keep and motivate teammates have raised the bar for how to win the three-week cycling marathon.

"It's an improvement in the method of approaching the Tour de France -- more professional, more rigorous, more methodical," race director Jean-Marie Leblanc said. "In a word, more American."

What an outstanding comment to hear from a Frenchman/woman when America bashing is so prevelant in the world.

When politics are set aside, it is the measure of the man/woman that counts, whether winning a race or recognizing an outstanding effort.
Cheers!