Armstrong Wins Another Year of Nike Endorsements
PARIS– Top cyclist Lance Armstrong, 29, won his third consecutive Tour de France on Sunday with a final, staggering lead of six minutes and 44 seconds over rival Jan Ullrich.  Armstrong, wearing the yellow jersey and standing atop a podium in front of thousands of cheering fans, received a contract from Nike for one year of endorsements for the third year in a row.
   “This is the most wonderful feeling,” said Armstrong, signing the contract.  “It just keeps getting better.”
   The contract makes Armstrong Nike's sole cyclist spokesperson.  It will be renewed next year if he can win the Tour for the fourth straight year.
   “We're very pleased to have Lance back with us,” said a Nike spokesman following the victory.  “We look forward to another year of Lance's support of our excellent cycling products.”
   The Texan, who overcame testicular cancer to win endorsement deals in 1999 and 2000, was beatable for the first half of the event, but, realizing what was at stake, took over and never looked back in Stage 10 of the 20-stage race.
   “I became so focused on the goal,” he said.  “There was no way I'd let anyone take it away from me.”
   As Armstrong blew by Ullrich to take the lead for good, he stared back at the German, resulting in the race's most memorable moment.
   “I wanted him to know that I, and no one else, would be the Nike endorser this year.”
   Armstrong was joined at the podium by his wife, Kristin, and 21-month-old son, Luke.
   “This is so beautiful,” he said, tears streaming down his joyous face.  “Now I can clothe my wife and child cost-free for another year.”