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RACE REPORTS: CASTILLA Y LEON STAGE 2: LEIPHEIMER AND CONTADOR DOMINATE
Road Bike Action & AFP
March 24, 2009
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Leipheimer powers to victory in stage 2 of the Tour of Castilla y Leon
(Photo: Roberto Bettini)
The Astana team of the injured Lance Armstrong finally had something to smile about on Tuesday when another American, Levi Leipheimer, won the second stage of the Tour of Castilla y Leon. Another Astana rider, Alberto Contador of Spain, was second in the individual time trial in the central town of Palencia, 16 seconds behind Leipheimer, who covered the 28.2 kilometers in 33 minutes, 17.78 seconds.
Leipheimer takes over the top spot in the overall standings from Spain's Joaquin Sobrino, who won Monday's first stage. Contador, one of the pre-race favorites after taking the last two editions of the Tour, said before the race that the event would be decided in the Palencia time trial.
"I'm here with a great will to race but this edition seems very difficult because it will be decided in the 28km time trial," said the 2007 Tour de France champion. Leipheimer, who began the Tour in the shadow of his more illustrious teammates Armstrong and Contador, is now the favorite to win the event.
Armstrong broke his collarbone when he fell along with several other riders during the first stage on Monday. Astana team manager Johan Bruyneel predicted the 37-year-old would recover in time to bid for his eighth Tour de France title in July, and may even compete in the Giro d'Italia in May. Armstrong ended a three-and-a-half year retirement at the Tour Down Under in Australia in January.
Tour of Castilla y Leon March 23-27
Stage 2 - March 24: Palencia, 28.2km Time Trial
1. Levi Leipheimer (USA), 33 min 78sec
2. Alberto Contador (ESP) at 16sec
3. David Zabriskie (USA) at 22sec
4. Stef Clement (NED) at 49sec
5. Denis Menchov (RUS) at 55sec
Overall Classification After Stage 2
1. Levi Leipheimer (USA) 5hr 05min 10secs
2. Alberto Contador (ESP) at 16sec
3. David Zabriskie (USA) at 22sec
4. Stef Clement (NED) at 49sec
5. Denis Menchov (RUS) at 55sec
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