Spaniard Carlos Sastre said he had fulfilled a childhood dream by winning the 95th Tour de France.
The 33-year-old stayed among the pack during the final stage to win cycling's premier event by 58 seconds.
"It's a dream coming true - ever since I was little I've been thinking about this moment," said the CSC rider.
"After my Vuelta victory in 2005 I thought I could one day win the Tour but I had to fight, get experience, and finally I have done it."
Sastre, who was third in 2006 and fourth last year, took the overall leader's yellow jersey by winning Wednesday's last Alpine stage on top of the daunting l'Alpe d'Huez.
And he did enough to hold off the challenge of Cadel Evans, who finished in the runner-up spot for the second successive year.
THE RISE OF CARLOS SASTRE
"I had some little mistakes but just to be able to continue after the crash in the first week was something I was happy with," said the Silence-Lotto rider.
"To finish second is a good ride. Of course I'd like to win but it's not easy to win the Tour de France.
"I'm hoping to build on the good progression of the last four years, and if I continue that for four more years hopefully I can achieve it - winning the Tour."
Third place went to Bernhard Kohl, who also won the King of the Mountains title by 48 points over Sastre.
The Austrian was delighted at staying with the pacemakers on the flat final stage and during Saturday's time-trial.
"I hoped that I was going to stay in the top five," said the Gerolsteiner rider. "There were some great time-trial specialists out there.
"I'm happy with third place, delighted for the team. They've worked so hard these past three weeks and I dedicate it to them."
606: DEBATE
Quick Step's Gert Steegmans won the 143km stage from Etampes to the Champs-Elysees in the heart of Paris and the Belgian rider said his team were rewarded for their hard work.
Steegmans said: "We were saving ourselves for the final circuit and then we let it go.
"With just 100 metres to go we knew it was ours. It was touch and go before that but finally the power came to us and we were able to hold on.
"I am delighted that finally I won and not somebody else. Our team worked really well for me and I have to thank them.
"Any win is great but this win is special, it is a dream. I am full of emotion."
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