|
|
RACE REPORTS: LEVI LEADS CASCADE CYCLING CLASSIC
Road Bike Action
July 12, 2008
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
There are still two days to go, but Levi Leipheimer has taken an option on the final victory in the Cascade Cycling Classic. It is the 29th edition of America's longest consecutively run stage race. Leipheimer was impressive in stage 3, the Skyliner’s time trial in Bend over 22,4 km (15 m). The US champion completed the course in 28:07. Jeff Louder (BMC) finished 2nd, 1’15” behind Leipheimer, Darren Lill (BMC) 3rd, losing 1’20”. In the GC, Levi Leipheimer takes the yellow jersey from Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) who lost more than three minutes.
"It was hard on the way out, always up hill, which is mentally difficult," said Leipheimer to Cyclingnews.com. "It was a straight road and sometimes you could see more than a kilometer in front of you. It’s hard to stay focused on a course like that. But coming back was fun at like 64 km/h (40 m/h)." He added that the course is similar to the one of this August's Olympic Games in Beijing, China. "It was good preparation, climbing on the way out and fast on the way back.”
For Levi Leipheimer it is his 4th victory of the season. As he started in the Cascade Cycling Classic as an individual rider, with only Chris Horner as a team-mate, it will not be easy to hold on the lead. "We are at the mercy of everyone for sure," continued Leipheimer. "We are going to have to be smart.”
The Cascade Cycling Classic ends on Sunday. Saturday’s queen stage will take the riders around Crane Prairie Reservoir Elk Lake to the finish at the Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|