Contador and Cavendish victorious

Astana rider Contador was joined on the 2009 podium by team-mate Lance Armstrong, who finished third at the age of 37, capping an unprecedented comeback four years after retiring.

Luxembourg's Andy Schleck of Team Saxo Bank split the two in second place while Bradley Wiggins matched the best finish by a British rider by claiming fourth for Garmin Slipstream.

The last stage provided yet another chance for Wiggins' compatriot Cavendish to prove he is the fastest man on a bike as he surged clear of the field for a remarkably comfortable victory - the first by a British rider on the Champs Elysee.

Cavendish has won six of the 21 stages in this year's Tour for a career total of 10. He told British Eurosport: "I said all along, I wanted to win on the Champs Elysees.

"Every single sprinter in the world, dreams of crossing the line with their hands in the air on the Champs Elysees.

"There was a lot of fighting with other teams trying to come through but we kept it so controlled."

Asked about his ambitions for next year, Cavendish said he had unfinished business in the contest for the green jersey - the classification awarded to the best all-round sprinter, which was won by Norway's Thor Hushovd.

Cavendish said: "I didn't win the green jersey did I?

"But I'm happy with six stages. I said I would be content with one stage and reaching Paris. we've had a beautiful three weeks here."