Levi Leipheimer maintained the overall leader’s yellow jersey in the Tour of California despite a crash with fellow American Lance Armstrong that sent Leipheimer tumbling off his bike.
Norwegian Thor Hushovd, of the Cervelo team, won the rain-hit third stage in a close sprint finish.
Hushovd claimed the 163km stage from San Jose to Modesto in 4 hours, 28 minutes and 12 seconds. Oscar Freire of Spain was second in the stage and Mark Renshaw of Australia was third in the same time.
PHOTO: AP
“Our team did a great job today. I am really thankful,” Hushovd said. “With these three men around me I am looking forward to the future.”
Leipheimer has a 24 second lead in the overall classification ahead of Australian Michael Rogers and American David Zabriskie. Once again the event was marked by bad weather as wind and rain pelted the riders on Tuesday.
Leipheimer went down hard early in the race after colliding with the back end of the bike of teammate Armstrong. Both Leipheimer and Armstrong ride for the Astana team.
Leipheimer hit the ground, causing a small pileup as other riders tried to avoid him. He stayed down for a few seconds but was not injured. He had to get a replacement bike before rejoining the stage.
“It was my fault,” Leipheimer said. “Usually, you can put your foot down, but not today. I just didn’t concentrate for a second. I landed on my butt. It hurts, but nothing’s broken, so it’s no big deal. It’s racing etiquette not to attack when the race leader crashes, so I just took my time.”
Armstrong looked back briefly at Leipheimer but remained on his bike. Organizers shortened the stage for safety reasons by eliminating the second of two finishing circuits and reducing the length of the neutralized stage start.
For the third day, strong rain fell and it took its toll. American riders Ted King, Omer Kim and Ian Macgregor individually crashed during the stage and abandoned the race.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely