Emotional Nibali says Tour victory better than expected

Vincenzo Nibali fought back tears as he stood on the Tour de France winner's podium and described the moment as better than he ever expected.
      
Nibali completed his victory at the 2014 Tour by finishing safely in the pack on Sunday's 21st and final stage from Evry to Paris, won by German Marcel Kittel.
      
"It's the most important and the best moment, I never imagined it could feel this good because when you find yourself on this podium on the Champs Elysees, it's unique," said Nibali, reading a prepared statement.
      
"Now that I'm here it's even better than I imagined. I fought for this every day, I started building from a long way out with a winter preparation with the team because we had decided this was our objective.
      
"Some people might think it's normal but I want to thank my (Astana) team because when you achieve an objective, you do so together, not just those here with me but also those back in Italy.
      
"It's a success that I want to dedicate to all the staff in the team and to my family, my wife Rachelle and my daughter Emma.
      
"If it hadn't been for my parents who have supported me since the beginning then I wouldn't have been here.
      
"I've never felt more emotional in my career."       

After crossing the finish line, Nibali went straight up to his wife and baby to embrace both.
     
By winning the final stage, German sprint king Kittel matched Nibali's achievement of winning four stages on this Tour.
      
The Giant-Shimano sprinter thus equalled his feat from last year when he also won four stages -- including both the first and last -- and wore the yellow jersey for a day on stage...