by Justin Davis

PARIS, July 27, 2009 (AFP) – Tour de France chief Christian Prudhomme gave the thumbs-up to the influence of Lance Armstrong on this year’s race after the American came out of retirement to finish a commendable third overall.

Armstrong finished over five minutes behind Astana teammate Alberto Contador, who proved unbeatable over three weeks of tough racing on his way to his second victory since his maiden win in 2007.

However on more than one occasion the 37-year-old seven-time champion showed that his sense for racing is still up there with the best.

When Armstrong used his head and his legs in testing wind conditions on stage three to join an echelon created by the Columbia team – which ultimately left many of his rivals, including Contador, 41secs behind – it put his race
ambitions on full display.

The next day when Astana won the team time trial Armstrong just missed out on pulling on the race’s yellow jersey by 0.22secs.

“He has tactical intelligence, and is always where he needs to be in the race,” purred Prudhomme.

“Armstrong is someone who is dangerous on all kinds of stages.”

Contador, however, was not left out.

He showed his all-round talent by winning on one of the race’s three summit finishes, controlling his rivals on all the mountains stages and winning the second time trial.

But faced with uncertainties over whether he or Armstrong would lead Astana’s yellow jersey bid the Spaniard also showed steely determination.

“He’s a great climber, whose style is elegant and fluid,” said Prudhomme.

“And he’s obviously someone who has a very strong character.”

Prudhomme is looking forward to next year when Armstrong, Contador and second place finisher Andy Schleck are set to return for a three-way battle for the yellow jersey.

But he admitted he almost couldn’t wait so long.

“I found myself wondering what it would have been like to have Contador and Armstrong in different teams.”

While Contador and Armstrong dominated the headlines, a surprise showing by Bradley Wiggins, who finished fourth overall, added to a hugely successful Tour for Britain.

Isle of Man rider Mark Cavendish was one of the stars of the race, claiming a stunning six stage wins from sprints to take his tally to 10 from his past two participation’s.

Prudhomme said he was not surprised at the increasing English-speaking influence in cycling, pointing to Britain’s dominance on the track and its recent successes on the road.

“It’s true, what with the president of the UCI (International Cycling Union) being Irish, the return of Armstrong, (sprinter) the phenomenal Mark Cavendish, the likes of whom I haven’t seen since the great Freddy Maertens,” said Prudhomme.

“Then there was the hugely successful start of the Tour in London two years ago, and Britain’s medal haul on the track at the Olympics.

“After lagging behind in cycling compared to their success in other sports, the English speakers are starting to make a real name for themselves in cycling.”