Try to even drive up L'Alpe d'Huez that fast. So let's put this into perspective. (Image from the London Telegraph story.)

The Tour d'France has had many great champions in a history going back a century. It opened the country, it defined a culture, it created the ultimate test of athletic endurance and courage.

But here's the reality.

Eddy Merckx, step aside.

Jacques Anquetil, thank you and God bless.

Bernard Hinault, you were great in your day, a hearty handshake..

Miguel Indurain had the heart of Secretariat yet was a master tactician.

Greg LeMond was a wonder. Laurent Fignon was a great champion. Marco Pantani, il Pirata, Rest In Peace. Shaq, sorry to tell you this, but Jan Ullrich is the Real Diesel.

No one has ever been as great a pure athlete as Lance Armstrong. No one. How do I know?

I can count to six.