Cycling: Landis wins Tour de France

Phonak's team rider Floyd Landis of the US (centre) celebrates his victory in the Tour de France this morning. Picture / Reuters

American Floyd Landis has been crowned Tour de France champion after avoiding any drama in the 20th and final leg into Paris this morning.

The 30-year-old Landis finished 57 seconds ahead of Spain's Oscar Pereiro after finishing the last stage in the main peleton.

Landis is the third winner of the race from the United States after Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong.

Norway's Thor Hushovd had the honour of winning the last stage on the Champs Elysees, outsprinting Australian Robbie McEwen at the finish.

McEwen had the last laugh, taking out the sprinter's green jersey for the third time, having also won in 2002 and 2004.

Denmark's Mickael Rasmussen was crowned king of the mountains for the second year in a row.

New Zealand's Julian Dean has finished 128th.

For the first time two Australians Cadel Evans and Michael Rogers finished in the top 10.

Evans, who finished eighth on his debut last year, finished fifth while Rogers took 10th place.

- NEWSTALK ZB