Indurain's lung capacity was eight litres, compared to an average of six litres.

BBC: NEWS | Health | What makes a great Tour rider?

But he is already contemplating a crack at emulating Indurain, the Spaniard who triumphed every year from 1991 to 1995.

BBC: Armstrong targets Tour record

' Not Merckx's, not Hinault's, not LeMond's, not Coppi's, not Gimondi's, not Indurain's, not Anquetil's, not Bartali's, and not mine.

NPR: Armstrong: Truth & Reconciliation Is 'Only Way'

Spaniard Miguel Indurain, who took five successive titles, had lungs so big they displaced his stomach, leading to his trademark paunch.

BBC: NEWS | Health | What makes a great Tour rider?

Despite a tough stage to Courchevel, in which the peloton will tackle the Cornet de Roselend climb that ended Miguel Indurain's reign in 1996, the Alps stages look less gruelling with two valley finishes, in Briancon and Digne.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport | Cycling | Tour bosses announce 2005 route

Miguel Indurain was phenomenal at this.

BBC: NEWS | Health | What makes a great Tour rider?

"I have been thinking about it (Indurain's record), as I have now won three Tours and I think I can carry on for two or three years more because right now I feel stronger than ever, " Armstrong told Spanish sports daily Marca on Thursday.

BBC: Armstrong targets Tour record