BBC SPORT | Special Events | 2001 | Tour de France

The triumph confirmed the former green jersey winner as only the third man to have won both the Tour's points and mountains classifications.

It also restored the image of one of the finest riders of the past decade in the eyes of cycling followers and the French public.

His performances mean a series of unlikely gambles have all paid out, crucially for Jalabert's Danish team and the Tour organisation itself.

CSC-Tiscali team boss Bjarne Riis, the 1996 Tour winner was criticised for spending a large part of his budget on "Jaja".

Laurent Jalabert is congrtaulated by the wife of president Jacques Chirac
In the polka dots with French "first lady" Mme Chirac

The rider attracted ridicule when he fell from a ladder while doing a spot of DIY at home.

The fall meant he gained no early season results, which most believed were necessary to gain a tour invitation.

When Danish rider Bo Hamburger tested positive for the drug EPO, it appeared disastrous considering the Tour's "ethics" policy.

Former stage winner Hamburger was rapidly sacked, but there was disbelief when CSC were selected despite all the setbacks.

The cynics had a field day when CSC were revealed to be the Tour's IT suppliers and sponsors.

The race organisation were unprepetant, admitting that Jalabert's presence was a key factor as they sought to boost French cycling.

Jalabert on his way to fourth place and the points jersey in 1995
In the green jersey back in 1995

The rest is history, helping seal Jalabert's place as one of the greats.

This rider from south-western France was never a genuine contender for Tour victory despite finishing fourth in 1995.

But he has lead this race, as well the tours of Italy and Spain, which he won outright six years ago.

He started as a genuine fast sprinter, winning the green points jersey in 1992 and 1995.

But a frightening collision with a photo-taking policeman warned him away from the fast bunch sprints.

He began to concentrate on shorter tours and one-day racing, where he was dominant.

The 1997 world time trial title confirmed him as a rare talent capable of winning almost anything.

French national champion in 1998
Jalabert's 1998 Tour was stressful

His one weakness, which always stopped him winning the Tour, was the highest hills.

But as a King of the Mountains, it is unfair to criticise his climbing, and he is confirmed as the complete all-round rider of his generation.

Jalabert will now retire next season a satisfied rider, perhaps to concentrate on more DIY.