Levi's code: It's all about teamwork
Levi Leipheimer has won two titles in the Tour of California's three-year history.
MANUEL BRUQUE/ APPublished: Friday, February 13, 2009 at 4:28 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, February 13, 2009 at 12:45 p.m.
At a book signing Monday night at Copperfield's Books in Santa Rosa, legendary Astana team director Johan Bruyneel made an announcement to the crowd: "I can assure everyone here that Levi is the leader of the team at the Tour of California."
Those words brought a roar from the crowd and a smile to Levi Leipheimer, 35, the Santa Rosa resident and two-time defending Tour of California champion who was standing nearby.
Leipheimer, naturally, is eager to assume his role as Astana's top dog as he begins his quest for his third title at the fourth annual TOC, which begins Saturday with a prologue in Sacramento.
But in the book Bruyneel was at Copperfield's to promote, "We Might As Well Win," he reserves his most glowing praise for Leipheimer for the cyclist's possession of a quality rarely seen in elite athletes: The willingness to accept a less-glamorous role with grace and humility.
At the 2007 Tour de France, Leipheimer, aiming for his first Tour title, began as Astana's leader. Rising star Alberto Contador, then 24, was riding in support of Leipheimer because Bruyneel believed the young Spaniard wasn't quite ready for the rigors of the 2,218-mile race.
But as the race progressed, it became clear that Contador was gaining strength. As a result, Leipheimer took a backseat.
Contador won. Leipheimer finished third. And Bruyneel was left with a lasting impression.
After stage 14, Leipheimer approached Bruyneel with some news. Michael Rasmussen, his former teammate, had told Leipheimer that Contador had ridden that day "like a little girl." Leipheimer knew the insult could serve as motivation for Contador, particularly if delivered by a master motivator such as Bruyneel.
The legendary director writes in his book that many cyclists in the same position as the leapfrogged Leipheimer would have handled the demotion by creating tension and rifts on the team.
"He is one of the finest, noblest teammates I have ever known," Bruyneel wrote. "He prizes winning above all, even his own ambitions."
Asked about Brunyeel's words at the TOC kickoff news conference in Sacramento, Leipheimer deflected the praise.
He recalled being on the receiving end of cycling's code: The strongest rider gets supported.
He mentioned the 2007 TOC, when George Hincapie, suffering from a broken wrist after a crash, helped Leipheimer ward off a furious attack from the peloton en route to his first TOC title.
"The goal is always that the team wins," Leipheimer said. "That's the way the sport works and those are the laws of cycling. Whoever is the strongest rider, you work for him."
On the eve of the TOC, there seems to be little doubt that Leipheimer might once again be the strongest rider at the race. Lance Armstrong and other Astana teammates praised his form during the team's recent training camp in Santa Rosa.
For his part, Leipheimer, the rider recognized as the TOC's biggest cheerleader, said he's always been motivated to help make the race among the world's best.
"I felt like it deserved the best effort that I could put forward," Leipheimer said. "I always had that philosophy from the first edition of the race. I've prepared all winter for (the TOC) and I feel like I'm right on track."
You can reach Staff Writer Eric Branch at 521-5268 or eric.branch@pressdemocrat.com.
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