Road: Leipheimer Snatches Vuelta Lead

Levi Leipheimer used a victory in today’s 42.5 km Stage 5 Individual Time Trial to take over the top spot in the Vuelta a Espana’s general classification, nipping French time trial champion Sylvain Chavanel by two seconds and earning the right to wear the coveted gold leader’s jersey.

After a relatively slow start through the first 28km that saw him 42 seconds off the pace set by course-leader time Manuel Quinziato, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist steadily built up speed during the later half of the race, flogging his Equinox TTX 9.9 SSL to the stage win by 12 seconds over Chavanel and 33 seconds over Quinziato.

“I felt really strong today,” said Leipheimer. “After the Olympics, I came into this Vuelta in ideal condition. I’m very happy because the goal was to win a stage during this Vuelta, and I’ve done that. Plus, this is the first time I’ve worn a leader’s jersey in a grand tour, so that’s great as well.”          

Leipheimer’s teammate and pre-race favorite Alberto Contador finished a respectable fourth, 49 seconds off Leipheimer’s furious pace. Contador now sits in 5th place overall, 47 seconds behind Leipheimer.

“I’m happy with the race because I was consistent throughout the course. I had the references of Levi ahead of me. Maybe I lost a little in the end, but Levi was just flying and I was maintaining my speed,” Contador said. “Everyone rode a pretty good time trial today, so for better or worse, it’s going to make for a more interesting race. I am ready for the mountains.”

General classification after stage 5 

1. Levi Leipheimer                                14.16.11

2. Sylvain Chavanel                              0.02

3. Alejandro Valverde                           0.30

4. Tom Boonen                                     0.32

5. Alberto Contador                             0.47