The Texan’s dominance — seven straight wins would give him two more than Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain — has led some to level doping accusations. Others have said his all-conquering style is at odds with the romance of the 102-year-old race.

He credits better preparation, a greater ability to endure pain and a fear of disappointing his team.

“I hear that all the time, it’s too methodical, it’s too robotic, but at the end of the day my responsibility is not to the people who say that,” he said. “With no disrespect, I don’t care, really I don’t.”

The only opinions that matter are those of Bruyneel, his team and the many cancer sufferers and survivors around the world.

“They don’t care if it’s robotic, if it’s monotonous, they want a winner,” he said. “They want a yellow jersey in Paris. A guy like Tiger (Woods) comes along and makes 60, 70 million a year. Do you think he cares what the purists say? His job is to deliver.”

NBC Sports Why Lance Armstrong is no mere mortal.

Paradoxically, Armstrong loves the romance that surrounds the Tour. But it doesn’t reflect his way of doing things.

“Back in the old days, Eddy Merckx drove up to the start in a car, and sat around in his car ... Anquetil (was) smoking cigarettes,” a relaxed-looking Armstrong said in his hotel, laughing at the image of the flamboyant Frenchman.

As well as smoking, Anquetil used to drink brandy before stages — sometimes even during them — and enjoyed foie gras.

“Times change, sports evolve. Cycling and its following tend to be slower to adapt to change,” he said. “Technology comes along, money comes along.”

Armstrong won’t predict his legacy — that’s for others. He does believe he and Bruyneel have changed the race.

Slide show   American Idols From Armstrong to Ali to Jordan to Woods, view images of the greatest athletes in American history.

“We took a three-week event and turned into a 12-month event,” he said. “This is an obsession for us.”

With such force of character, Armstrong has managed to influence and change minds. He also has his fair share of detractors. Could such a personality lead him to politics?

“I’ve always stood up for what’s right in cycling,” he added. “Does that translate into ultimately representing people of a region, a state, or a country? Never say never.”

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