Leipheimer Wins Third Consecutive Tour of California

February 23, 2009
Leipheimer Wins Third Consecutive Tour of California
By BILLY WITZ
ESCONDIDO, Calif. — As Levi Leipheimer grinded his way toward the top of Palomar Mountain, fans closed in on both sides as he tried to keep pace with some of the world’s best cyclists. He allowed his mind to drift for a moment.

“I had to remind myself it was February in California,” Leipheimer said. “It was like the Alps in July.”

For the rest of the field, no reminder was necessary.

If the calendar says February and the map reads California, there is no beating Leipheimer, who concluded his third consecutive Tour of California victory Sunday with a drama-free effort.

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When the riders chugged by several hours later, it was no less quirky. The cyclists were chased along the route by a fan in a red devil suit, another in a lime green G-string and one who wore a helmet with an enormous set of antlers affixed to it.

It was a view that Leipheimer enjoyed, the one from the top.

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Dozens of spectators tried to run alongside the riders near the top, including a man in a University of Montana jersey who wore a football helmet decorated with antlers.

Leipheimer grew up in Butte, Mont.

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I'm at a loss for words. Gesink and Leipheimer manage to ride away from everyone save for a football playing elk from Montana in bike shoes.

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