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SOLVANG, California: American Levi Leipheimer took a big step toward
his second straight Tour of California cycling title Friday with a
victory in the 24km time-trial fifth stage.
On a clear day in California’s wine country,
where the tourist friendly town of Solvang is dedicated to the
culture of Danish immigrants, Leipheimer was 29 seconds faster than
Britain’s David Millar, with American Christian Vandevelde 45
seconds back.
While Leipheimer bolstered his overall lead, now
49 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, the cards were shuffled among
those pursuing him.
Switzerland’s Fabian Can-cellara, only fifth
in the time trial at 1min 5sec back, fell to fourth place overall.
The performance by Cancellara, the world
time-trial champion, benefited Millar and Vandevelde whose second
and third place finishes put them second and third overall.
Saturday’s sixth and penul-timate stage takes
the riders into Los Angeles area, with a 169.9km stage from Santa
Barbara to Santa Clarita.
-- AFP
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