Casual fans probably aren't too impressed with Armstrong's 36th-place finish in the recent Tour de France. But then, overall placement isn't everything in the grueling, three-week championat. Armstrong accomplished his top two goals - finishing the race for the first time, and winning a stage - and he won over a ton of fans with his gutsy performance over the last week - both on and off the bike. Just days after losing teammate and friend Fabio Casartelli to a fatal crash, Armstrong came back for a surprising stage win, then dedicated it to Casartelli, and told the press in passable Italian that he'd had two pairs of legs working for him. For a European press and racing establishment that had doubted the young American's stamina, heart, and attitude, it was a triumphant moment. Lance, you done us proud.
