In retrospect, it would have been surprising if Levi hadn’t won in Solvang. The now undisputed king of the little Californian town assumed his spot atop the throne and gazes dominantly over his challengers. Three years, three wins for the pint-sized Tour de France hopeful – this is Levi’s show, everyone else is just supporting cast.


Let’s take a run through the pictures that tell the story and keep me from talking too much.


Really, it would be a dishonor to the King if I didn’t start this race report with anything else but a few pictures of Mr. Solvang.


Lance changed his organization’s name to LEVIstrong for the day.


Levi’s ride was good enough to top his best time on the Solvang course.


The man who made the King work a little – David Zabriskie. Zabriskie was a man on fire and we can assume there will be much more to come from Dave Z in 2009. 2nd @ 8 seconds.


Dave Z’s little one got some podium time.


Gustav Larsson guided the Pez in and around Solvang and tusnami’d to 3rd @ 17 seconds.


The Cervelo fans are all about some Norwegian flags.


Mick Rogers showed that he ain’t foolin around in 2009. 4th @ 22 seconds.


Let’s take a moment to appreciate the Big Hair Super Fan.


Back to Michael Rogers…


One word: JENS! 5th place @ 30 seconds.


Yep, still pretty out there.


George Hincapie showed his good Spring form with 6th. Could this finally be his year in the Spring Classics?


Ben Jacques-Maynes finished a more than solid 11th.


And just because we’d be remiss not to: two pictures of Lance.


If this were any other year, we’d be scratching our heads about a 14th place ride from Lance Armstrong.




Levi counts real good. THREE wins at Solvang.


Stage 6 Results
1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 30.41 (47.15km/h)
2 David Zabriskie (USA) Garmin – Slipstream 0.08
3 Gustav Larsson (Swe) Team Saxo Bank 0.17
4 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia – Highroad 0.22
5 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team Saxo Bank 0.30
6 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia – Highroad 0.36
7 Tom Zirbel (USA) Bissell Pro Cycling 0.39
8 Jason Mccartney (USA) Team Saxo Bank 0.41
9 Stef Clement (Ned) Rabobank 0.43
10 Thomas Lцvkvist (Swe) Team Columbia – Highroad 0.51
11 Ben Jacques-Maynes (USA) Bissell Pro Cycling 0.55
12 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin – Slipstream 1.09
13 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank 1.15
14 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana 1.16
15 Stuart O’Grady (Aus) Team Saxo Bank


General Classification After Stage 6
1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 24.12.00
2 David Zabriskie (USA) Garmin – Slipstream 0.36
3 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia – Highroad 0.46
4 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team Saxo Bank 1.10
5 Thomas Lцvkvist (Swe) Team Columbia – Highroad 1.29
6 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana 1.46
7 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank 1.54
8 Janez Brajkovic (Slo) Astana 1.59
9 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana 2.13
10 Francisco Mancebo (Spa) Rock Racing 2.15
11 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas 2.21
12 Thomas Danielson (USA) Garmin – Slipstream 2.24
13 Josй Luis Rubiera (Spa) Astana 2.48
14 Kevin Seeldraeyers (Bel) Quick Step 2.57
15 Oscar Sevilla (Spa) Rock Racing 3.37

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