PAU, France — Lance Armstrong is trying to capture more than just a seventh straight Tour de France title. He wants to win over the French fans, too.

So far, it's working.

The American cyclist has regularly left the team bus during this year's Tour to greet hordes of people, who push and shove to get a glimpse of him.

He recently stopped and rode over to a screaming fan who was calling for him. Armstrong chatted with her while her husband joined the conversation.

"Lance, give us your cap," the man said in broken English, laced with a heavy accent.

Armstrong handed it over, causing the excited couple to jump up and down and hug each other.

"We love you Lance. We love you," they shouted as he cruised back down to the Discovery Channel bus.

Over the years, gaining support from the French public has proved tougher than beating his rivals up the mountains or in the time trials.

"My objective is to win the hearts of the French fans," said Armstrong, who will quit the sport at the conclusion of the race in Paris on Sunday.

The Tour took a day off yesterday.

Armstrong has been more open, less stressed, and happier to share the limited time remaining in his stellar career.

"He's definitely more relaxed, the pressure's off him a little bit," said team director Johan Bruyneel.

Armstrong said a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders when he won his sixth Tour, eclipsing the record shared by five-time winners Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain.

Heading into today's 112.2-mile, 16th stage from Mourenx to Pau, Armstrong leads Ivan Basso by 2 minutes, 46 seconds, 1997 Tour winner Jan Ullrich by 5:58 and Alexandre Vinokourov by 9:38.

Armstrong's sometimes brash dominance of the race is one reason why he has encountered hostility. In recent years, politics have also played a part.

France and the United States have had an uneasy relationship since they disagreed over the Iraq war — tensions that have spilled over on Armstrong.

Armstrong doesn't hold a grudge.

"I can't say enough good things about it (France). I genuinely love this country, the culture, the history," he said. "Of course, four or five people a day seem to know it all and have a lot of nasty things to say. But ultimately, I think we have a fine relationship."

STANDINGS

AFTER 15 STAGES

1. Lance Armstrong, United States, Discovery Channel, 62 hours, 9 minutes, 59 seconds.

2. Ivan Basso, Italy, CSC, 2 minutes, 46 seconds behind.

3. Mickael Rasmussen, Denmark, Rabobank, 3:09.

4. Jan Ullrich, Germany, T-Mobile, 5:58.

5. Francisco Mancebo, Spain, Illes Balears, 6:31.