Levi Leipheimer has won his third straight Tour of
California
Bernie Wilson, AP writer
ESCONDIDO — Levi Leipheimer has won his third straight Tour of California.
Leipheimer took over the lead in the nine-day race last Monday and never gave it up.
Lance Armstrong, who began a comeback last month, spent this race in support of Leipheimer, his Astana teammate. Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France winner, finished seventh overall.
The 96.8-mile final stage in San Diego County on Sunday featured a gut-busting ride up snowcapped Palomar Mountain, where the cyclists reached the 5,123-foot level on a two-lane highway with 21 switchbacks.
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.
