We think this photo is quite telling. It shows the 2009 Tour de France winner Alberto Contador holding the trophy that symbolizes his victory. Looking on with a rather pensive look on his face is third-place finisher Lance Armstrong.
The seven-time winner retired from the sport after his 2005 win but had a change of heart and trained with Team Astana for a comeback at age 37. He finished 5 minutes 24 seconds behind Contador of Spain and 1 minute 13 seconds behind Andy Schleck of Luxembourg.
From the look in his eye, don’t be surprised to see Armstrong working his tail off in anticipation of Tour de France 2010. The oldest winner ever was Belgium’s Firmin Lambot, who won at age 36 in 1922. With his third-place finish on Sunday, Armstrong was the oldest podium finisher since 1976.
After the ceremony, Armstrong said, “Based on everything–my age, my time away, people’s expectations–it was a pretty good effort.” We agree.
View a photo of Armstrong, his partner Anna Hansen and their son Max below.
More family photos from Paris here.