Levi Leipheimer wins the fourth stage at the Tour de San Luis 2012
Levi Leipheimer of Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step won the 19.5 kilometre stage 4 of the Tour de San Luis 2012. The American finished the stage in the fastest time of 22 minutes and 33 seconds.
Vincenzo Nibali was 23 seconds behind at the second position, as Stefan Schumacher, Sylvain Chavanel, Magno Prado Nazaret and Alberto Contador secured the third, fourth, fifth and sixth positions, respectively.
Levi commented after winning the stage, "I really, really wanted to win today, I was pretty confident that I was going to win because I had splits on [teammate] Bert Grabsch and I was quite a ways ahead of him and he's an ex-world champion".
The 38-year-old is making his debut with Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step and an early stage win will definitely impress the selectors.
He spent the past two years with Team RadioShack and had to choose a new home for 2012 after the American squad announced its demise.
He briefed after joining the team, “It's a new team starting off a new year. I've been really happy since I've come here. I just wanted to show the team, to show Patrick, to show the sponsors that I'm very grateful for them allowing me to be part of it”.
The 38-year-old had a terrific start to the previous season and won the USA Pro Cycling Challenge 2011, along with two stage victories at the race.
He also bagged victories at the Tour de Suisse and the Tour of Utah 2011.
Leipheimer has a total number of 13 Grand Tour appearances, 2 Giro, 9 Tour and 2 Vuelta a Espana participations.
His second place finish at the Vuelta a Espana 2008 is still considered as his best stage race performance over the years.
Levi finished second during the third stage and was at the second general classifications position, with 4 seconds behind the leader, Alberto Contador.
The Spaniard struggled during the time trial stage and Leipheimer seized upon the opportunity. Contador lost over a minute and dropped down to the fourth overall position.
The American is now leading the stage 4 classifications, with Stefan Schumacher and Vincenzo Nibali claiming the second and third positions, respectively.
Levi has developed a good lead over the main general classification contenders. With three more stages to go, the cyclist is absolutely considering the top podium spot on Sunday.
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