The 2006 Tour finished 15 months ago

The 30-year-old was officially recognised as the winner after American Floyd Landis was stripped of victory for failing a dope test.

Landis has said he will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over the case which has cost him a two-year ban.

"This is a very important day for me," said Pereiro. "I'm not going to ruin it by thinking about any appeal."

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Pereiro - who rides for the Caisse d'Epargne team - held the yellow jersey for five days but was overhauled as leader when Landis staged an incredible comeback towards the end of the race.

Landis then failed a doping test but runner-up Pereiro was not awarded victory until a lengthy investigation by the American Arbitration Association ended last month.

"I feel sorry for him," said Pereiro. "He was disqualified after the biggest triumph of his life and won't be able to enjoy it. But as a sportsman you have to stick to the rules."

Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme said Pereiro was the definitive winner.

"At last we have a winner. It has been too long for Oscar Pereiro, his team and for Spain and too long for the Tour de France but the story has finally come to an end," said Prudhomme.