Alberto Contador won his third Tour de France on Sunday, heralding the arrival of a new cycling superstar, as seven-time champion Lance Armstrong competed in the race for the last time.

Mark Cavendish of Britain led a sprint to win the 20th and final stage — a largely ceremonial 63.7-mile course from Longjumeau to the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

Contador of Spain sealed his third title in four years by holding off a challenge from his main rival, Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, in Saturday's individual time trial.

Schleck finished second, 39 seconds back, and Denis Menchov of Russia was third overall.