ARMSTRONG CHOSEN AP MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
BY JIM VERTUNO, AP Sports Writer

Even by his lofty standards, Lance Armstrong's return to the mountaintop in 2004 was pretty special.

The question now facing Armstrong is whether he'll return to challenge the Pyrenees and the French Alps again in 2005.

Already recognized as one of the truly inspiring athletes of his generation, Armstrong took his cycling legacy a step further when he won a record-breaking sixth consecutive Tour de France in July.

And for his accomplishment, he was honored Monday as The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third straight year.

Armstrong joined Michael Jordan (1991-93) as the only athletes selected by sports writers and broadcasters three straight times since the honor was first awarded in 1931.

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