PARIS (AP) - Lance Armstrong became the second-oldest rider to reach the Tour de France podium when he finished third on Sunday, but it’s a rider 11 years his junior who is set to write the next chapter in cycling’s book of records.

The 26-year-old Alberto Contador of Spain claimed his second victory in the cycling’s premiere event after dominating his rivals to win his fourth consecutive Grand Tour with devastating attacks in the mountains and a display of power in the time trials.

At his age, the seven-time champion Armstrong had never won the 106-year-old race.

Throughout three grueling weeks of intense rivalry, the Spaniard showed his determination and his will to win by withstanding the constant pressure applied by his Astana teammate Armstrong.

Armstrong, back to competition this season after 31/2 years in retirement, quickly realized he wouldn’t be able to unsettle his younger rival on the road and challenged him mentally.

Armstrong criticized his teammate’s strategy following the first mountain stage in the Pyrenees, hinting that the Contador was running against the team’s common interests. He then revealed tensions within the Astana team due to their rivalry, and even after securing the yellow jersey in the Alps, Contador was criticized by his team for his so-called poor tactical choices.

Asked Sunday on French TV what the hardest moment in this race, Contador said: "It was in the (team) hotel."

"It has been an especially difficult Tour for me, but I savor it and it is more special because of it," he said after the prize ceremony.

But the Spaniard didn’t even take a tumble and was so dominant in adversity that his reign on the Tour seems designed to last some time.

"Contador is first of all a great climber, very elegant and flowing," Tour director Christian Prudhomme said. "But he also showed a great strength of character."

Armstrong, who said he will try his luck again next year on the Tour with his new RadioShack team, acknowledged Contador’s superiority.

"Contador is that good, so I don’t see how I would have been higher than that, even in the other years," said Armstrong, who won the Tour seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005 before retiring. "I think his performance this year would have beaten my performances in ‘01 and ‘04 and ‘05."

Contador already is one of cycling’s greats, having won all three Grand Tours of France, Italy and Spain, something Armstrong never achieved in his career. And on the Champs-Elysees, he handed Armstrong his first defeat on the race since 1999.

"It was a hard Tour," said Contador, who had to sit out last year when Astana was banned because of previous doping scandals. "Before leaving, I knew I had to be ready both physically and mentally. At the end of each stage, I said ‘one day less’. There were tensions, but the situation has normalized. And I am very happy with the result."

According to Armstrong, the Contador has the potential to become a five-time Tour winner.

"Well, he’s that good and he’s not that old, so you can do the math," Armstrong said.

Even if Armstrong is expected to be back on the race in 2010 with a strong team fully dedicated to his ambitions, Contador’s greatest rival in the future is likely to be Andy Schleck of Luxembourg.

At only 24-years of age, the climber finished the race in second place, 4 minutes and 11 seconds behind Contador. He has now twice won the Tour de France’s white jersey awarded to its best rider under 25, and became the first rider to take the shirt twice since 1997 tour winner Jan Ullrich, who won it three times between 1996 and 1998.

"I’m coming back to take the yellow jersey," the younger Schleck of next year. "Alberto showed this year that he was the strongest, the real boss of the peloton. I have much respect for him, but next year I’m coming to win."

Armstrong, who will be approaching 39 years of age next July, would bet on Contador in his duel with Schleck.

"He time trials a lot better," he said of the Spaniard. "Andy’s time trialing I suspect will improve. He’s a little younger. With young athletes, you never know how they respond to what comes their way. Alberto is pretty serious and hardheaded and competitive, so I think he’ll stay focused."

Armstrong became the second oldest rider to make the podium after Raymond Poulidor of France achieved third place in 1976 aged 40. Armstrong, however, expects to perform better in 2010 with another season under his belt.

"I’m staying positive," Armstrong said. "My level will be a little better next year."

Armstrong wants to come to the Tour with a strong outfit, including current teammates Levi Leipheimer and Andreas Kloeden, and together they could challenge Contador.

"There’s a lot of variables there," said Armstrong. "My condition, his condition, team tactics, tactics of the race ... But that’s why we do the race, so we know."

Like Armstrong, Contador has rebounded from a brush with death. He nearly died five years ago after a fall during the first stage of the Vuelta a Asturias. Following persistent illness, Contador went to hospital and learned he had a congenital brain problem known as cavernoma.

He only returned to cycling the following year, and today carries a large scar running down the side of his head from delicate surgery to correct the problem.

The Spaniard’s future is still unclear. He has been linked to a move to Spanish team Caisse d’Epargne, while two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso has expressed his interest in starting a cycling team with Contador.

Whatever he decides, it’s almost certain that the Contador-Armstrong rivalry will re-ignite in 2010.