Levi Leipheimer has had a firm grip on this years Dauphine Libere now for several days, winning the jersey on Mont Ventoux and defending it through the mountain passes. Their is no question Leipheimer has riden a tactically smart race and backed it up with strength and stamina.
Today’s summit finish of the Dauphine offered three major climbs for the riders including the Galibier (a feared 2500 meter climb) as well as the Croix de Fer and the Toussuire.
With three major passes to deal with the attacks came early as they headed up the Galibier, while there were lots of attacks thought the day none of them succeeded until 34 kilometer to go when climbing aces Valverde, Mayo, Arroyo and Sevilla flew the coupe. The four rides flew down the last decent of the day quickly trying to reach the base of the last climb.
Leipheimer was by this point part of a chasing group that was about a minute down to the breakaway that included both Iban Mayo and Valverde. Chris Horner whipped up his Davitamon Lotto boys to help with the chase that was being lead by the Gerolsteiner squad. At one point it even looked as if Chris Horner was setting the pace for fellow American Leipheimer. However once the chasing group hit the base of the final climb several of the riders started to drop off the back including Hincapie and Sevilla.
With 10 kilometers to go both Valverde and Mayo were working well together, however once Mayo must have sensed the chasers were gaining too much as he attacked and left Valverde behind with five kilometers remaining. Iban set a blistering pace up the next 5k …. on the attack he was riding up the climb in his largest chain ring as he powered his way to the win. It is really great to see Mayo back and in form! He had several tough years, however he seams confident and strong with just weeks to go until the start of the Tour.
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