But one stunning stage win in the mountains, when he fell off his bike, slipped a pedal and still recovered to take the stage sealed his win.
That helped Armstrong open up a lead of more than minute on Ullrich, which was enough to earn him a famous win.
Armstrong's triumph is even more amazing because he had cancer in 1996, recovering despite doctors only giving him a 40% chance of survival.
The 31-year-old Texan has vowed to return again next year, as he wants to be the first person ever to win a sixth Tour de France.
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