Levi Leipheimer News

Lance Armstrong signs a poster for a fan in May of 1997, the same day he talked to Ocycler Dana Tims about his battle with cancer and his hopes to return to cycling.

American Levi Leipheimer says he retired from professional cycling when his six-month ban for doping violations ended March 1 and he was unable to sign with a new team.

The start of Stage 3 of the Amgen Tour of California. Stage 3 winds from Palmdale to Santa Clarita.

The day before the Amgen Tour of California commenced, pre-race favorite Tejay van Garderen wasn't showing much of his hand, downplaying expectations and noting the weight upon his BMC Racing team's broad shoulders.

Eight hours is a long time to ride a bike ... unless you happen to be on the same team as an Olympic medalist such as Levi Leipheimer.

Riders retire. Teams fold. A rival one year is a teammate the next Santa Rosa resident Levi Leipheimer will not compete in the Tour of California this year, the first time he has missed the race.

The finish line: Landis, the first Tour of California champion, capped his fourth day in the leader's jersey cruising in the lead pack through the 123.1-kilometer Redondo Beach Circuit course while his Phonak teammates controlled the field.