Interview: Bernard Hinault

Great memories. Armstrong, of course, who ruled this race. Virenque as well, who secured a seventh polka-dot jersey -- another never-done-before feat. I'll also remember the resurgence of a younger generation. The future of the sport, and in particular [Thomas] Voeckler, who put on great show.

It's tough to say. Who's too strong, who's weaker than they should be? It's difficult to calculate. There's no tool for measuring the differences mathematically. The bottom line is that Armstrong dominated the race. And he did it with panache, winning stages and proving that he's the boss of the peloton.

Yes, absolutely. No one thought Kloden was capable of finishing second at the Tour de France. The same goes for Basso. Now, we have to hope that both these riders -- plus all those who were sub-par this year -- stay in top form for 2005. We need a good show next year.

It's impossible to compare the two eras. The riders are different, roads are different, it's not the same technology nor the same training techniques. How can you compare the era of Merckx to the modern day? It's impossible. Armstrong is the king of his era, like Merckx was the king of his era and Anquetil before him.

I think he'll be back at the Tour next year. At least I hope he'll be back. Right now, it's difficult to peg his adversaries. There are a few up-and-coming prospects: Cunego in Italy, Valverde in Spain. Kloden will have gained confidence, as will Basso. And maybe Ullrich will re-find his physical peak. There are a lot of pretenders to Armstrong's throne.

If you were bored at this race it means you don't like cycling. Me, I'm never bored because there's always something interesting going on. Everyday there's something that reminds me why I love this sport.