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More news on the Tour de France

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See here for why Lance Armstrong and his victories have meaning for me.

He did it again!!!!

For a more analytical description of today, go here.

With an amazing final burst of speed, Lance Armstrong won the 17th stage of the Tour de France on Thursday, extending his overall lead as he marches toward a record sixth straight title.

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“No gifts this year,” the five-time champion said. “I want to win.”

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Both in the mountains and, on Thursday, in a sprint, Armstrong has been in a different class than his rivals. His lead of four minutes and nine seconds over Basso should easily carry him through to the podium in Paris on Sunday.

By the end of the final climb Thursday, just Basso, Kloden and Ullrich had managed to stay with Armstrong and his teammate Floyd Landis, who worked tirelessly to steer his leader up the ascent.

At the summit, Armstrong reached an arm over to Landis and gave him the green light to try to win. The finish was eight miles away, at the end of a long speedy descent from the climb.

Landis zoomed away but was quickly caught by Ullrich, which prompted Armstrong to catch up, followed by Basso and Kloden.

The five riders jostled for position as they sped through the final corners leading to the finish at Le Grand-Bornand in the Alps. As the line neared, Kloden suddenly spurted ahead and the stage seemed his.

But for Armstrong, the chance for another victory at his favorite race was simply too hard to pass up. With one final glance over his shoulder, he rocketed off in pursuit and found just enough speed to edge Kloden at the line.

Armstrong dedicated his win to Landis, who rode strongly for his leader Thursday but finished last in the sprint.