Armstrong captured the title on the Champs Elysees in Paris on Sunday six minutes ahead of 1997 winner Jan Ullrich, but the Texan, who has made a remarkable recovery from testicular cancer, has now got the Olympics firmly in mind.

"My season is going to continue now. Last year, at the end of the tour, I needed the entire off-season to recover mentally," Armstrong said.

"I feel fine in my head and I feel ready to start my preparations for the Olympics.

"I need a break physically but psychologically I am motivated now."

Armstrong's immediate priorities are to recuperate and celebrate his Tour win with his wife and mother at his European base in Nice, France.

Next on the agenda is a flight to New York to appear on a number of American talk shows, before returning to Europe for several cycling exhibitions.

Sean Yates, one of Britain's most experienced riders and former Tour de France stage winner and yellow jersey wearer, has told BBC Sport Online he is confident Armstrong will be challenging strongly for honours in Sydney.

"Lance and Jan Ullrich are the favourites, but there are a bunch of other guys that could do well on the day," Yates said.

"Lance is focused and determined - it is difficult to see anybody beating him, barring accidents," the team manager for Linda McCartney's Pro Cycling team concluded.

Armstrong will be competing in the 30km Road Race at the Olympics in Sydney on 26-27 September.