Levi Leipheimer

Madrid - Vuelta a España 2008 - 20080921-13

Stage 4 finish 2011 ATOC San Jose (5735723566)

Leipheimer paris nice 2012

Jersey yellow

Jersey yellow

MaillotUSA

Levi Leipheimer is a retired American professional road cyclist. Born on October 24, 1973, in Butte, Montana, Leipheimer is best known for his accomplishments in Grand Tours and time trials, making him one of the prominent American cyclists of his era.

Early Life and Career

Levi Leipheimer began his cycling career at a young age, quickly establishing himself in the junior cycling circuits. His talent and dedication to the sport led him to the professional ranks, where he started to compete in larger, more competitive races.

Professional Career

Leipheimer's professional career took off in the late 1990s when he joined the U.S. Postal Service team, where he rode in support of Lance Armstrong. Throughout his career, Leipheimer rode for several other top teams, including Rabobank, Gerolsteiner, and Omega Pharma-Quick Step.

Leipheimer's Grand Tour debut came in the Vuelta a España, where he showed his potential by finishing in the top ten. However, it was in the Tour de France where he truly made his mark, achieving multiple top-ten finishes throughout his career. Additionally, Leipheimer was a formidable time trialist, winning the U.S. National Time Trial Championships multiple times.

One of Leipheimer's most significant career highlights was winning the 2007 Tour of California, a victory that he repeated in 2008 and 2009, showcasing his dominance in the American cycling scene. He also claimed victory in the Vuelta a España in 2008, which stands as one of his most prestigious achievements.

Controversy

Leipheimer's career was not without controversy. In 2012, as part of the United States Anti-Doping Agency's investigation into doping in cycling, Leipheimer admitted to doping during his career. This admission led to a suspension and the stripping of some of his results. Despite this, Leipheimer has been open about his past and has worked to promote clean sport since his retirement.

Retirement

Levi Leipheimer retired from professional cycling in 2013. Since hanging up his wheels, he has remained active in the cycling community, organizing events and advocating for cycling as a sport and recreational activity. He is also known for his charitable work, particularly in his home state of Montana.

Legacy

Leipheimer's career is a complex one, marked by significant achievements and contributions to cycling, but also by the shadow of doping. Despite this, his efforts to give back to the sport and his community have helped to repair his reputation and cement his legacy as a notable figure in American cycling.