Levi Leipheimer and Team Omega Pharma targeting the overall classifications in Argentina
Levi Leipheimer finished second during the third stage of the Tour de San Luis. He finished five seconds behind the race leader, Alberto Contador, who claimed his second stage win during the fifth stage of the race.
Daniel Diaz was a surprise package as the Argentinean local hero made room between Contador and Leipheimer.
He was impressive during the mountainous stage and was only two seconds away from the victory.
Levi commented about the fifth stage, "We took the first kilometres of the climb very fast and then Alberto attacked very early, I decided to wait with [Vincenzo] Nibali because he had more teammates, but I had to come back to Alberto by myself”.
He further added, "When I reached Alberto there were two riders with me, Diaz and [Jose] Serpa, and for me it is most important to keep the jersey so I made tempo".
Leipheimer acknowledged Contador’s efforts during the fifth stage and briefed that he is a champion and he earned the victory.
The Spaniard also won the third stage of the Tour de San Luis and was hugely cheered by the crowd.
Levi won the opening stage of the race and has maintained a good balance throughout the first five days of racing.
He finished third during the stage 5 and managed to achieve the top position in the overall classifications.
The 38-year-old is currently leading the overall classifications with a margin of 46 seconds over the second place finisher, Alberto Contador.
Contador is also looking good for the overall classifications after his tremendous stage victories at stage 3 and stage 5.
The Spaniard is also leading the Mountains classifications with 20 points to his credit.
Miguel Angel Rubiano Chavez is at second position, with Levi Leipheimer securing the third spot, with 14 points to himself.
Leipheimer had a perfect 2011 season with his overall victory at the USA Pro Cycling Challenge 2011, including two stage victories at the event.
He also won the Tour de Suisse and the Tour of Utah during the recent season.
With two more stages to go at the race, the American is positive to take on the overall classifications.
The next stage is the 201 kilometre race between the Lujan and Qurines, followed by the final 167.1 kilometre stage 7 to decide the winner of the event.
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