Leipheimer gave his Astana teammate a scare and blasted up the Cat. 1 Puerto de Navacerrada to win his second time trial stage at this year’s Vuelta and chewed considerably into Contador’s 1:17 head start in the Vuelta’s penultimate stage.Leipheimer stopped the clock in 33 minutes, 6 seconds (30.997kph), 31 seconds faster than Contador and Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d’Epargne) to secure second place overall.
In the end Contador managed to escape with a 46-second lead and has all but won the 63rd Vuelta already and will wear the leaders jersey on the final stage when it concludes with Sunday’s ceremonial spin into Madrid.
With the Vuelta all but wrapped up, Contador nears completing the grand tour triple crown. After winning the Tour in 2007 and the Giro d’Italia in May, Contador will become the fifth rider to achieve the landmark and the youngest to complete the sweep.
(L)Leipheimer added time on the thoughest part
the climb. Photo: Graham Watson
The sweep poised the 25-year-old Spanish climber to become the cycling’s next big star, something he says he’s not worried about.
Well the very best of luck to Team ASTANA, viva Contador.
Contador is one day from Madrid and is close to winning his third grand tour.
Photo: Graham Watson
*courtesy of VeloNews
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