Levi Leipheimer earned the third race victory in four stages for Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team, winning the Tour de San Luis Stage 4 time trial by 23 seconds on Thursday with a time of 22 minutes, 33 seconds. He beat Alberto Contador (Team Saxo Bank) in the 19.5 km time trial by a minute, which allowed him to also take over the general classification (GC) lead. Leipheimer trailed Contador by four seconds going into Stage 4. "I really wanted to do well today," Leipheimer said. "After yesterday's stage and the recon we pulled on the route this morning I knew I could compete. I really wanted to thank the team for the faith they placed in me and the guys who are here for the fantastic job they're doing day in and day out. "
Leipheimer now leads Stefan Schumacher (Christina Watches) in the GC by 53 seconds.
"I think I did the best I could," Leipheimer said. "We worked well and we're enjoying the benefits. The time trial was anything but simple. The wind was also an important factor. We had to stay concentrated, especially in the final 4 kilometers, which were absolutely gruelling."
Leipheimer was not the only Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider to perform well. Sylvain Chavanel placed fourth in the stage, only 39 seconds slower than his teammate. Chavanel is now in fifth in the GC, a minute and 20 seconds back from Leipheimer.
"Tomorrow will be a very challenging day but I have no worries" Leipheimer said. "I feel strong and the team is highly motivated. We've won three out of four stages and we're first in the classification. Up until now everything's been going well, our balance sheets are really positive. We'll face tomorrow's stage with faith in our means and determination."