Defending Amgen Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer said the first two stages of this year’s race offer “opportunities for the sprinters,” although the second stage might just shed a few of the peloton’s non-climbers.
Leipheimer on his way to winning the 2009 ATOC.
Race organizers released details of the first two stages Tuesday, and will roll out details of the remaining stages throughout this week. Leipheimer will share his reactions with VeloNews.com readers as those stage details are released.
The first stage starts in the old mining town of Nevada City, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Nevada City Classic criterium, one of the oldest races in the U.S. Leipheimer won the race in 1998, and last year he helped Lance Armstrong win it.
“That a nice tribute to (the race),” said Leipheimer.
