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Astana downplays Leipheimer's chances at Dauphiné

By Agence France Presse
Published: Jun. 7, 2008
Levi Leipheimer's efforts at the Giro d'Italia might cost him in the Dauphiné Libéré.
Levi Leipheimer's efforts at the Giro d'Italia might cost him in the Dauphiné Libéré.
Photo: Graham Watson (file)

Astana has watered down pre-race predictions that its team leader for the Dauphiné Liberé, Levi Leipheimer, will emerge triumphant after a week of tough racing in the Alps.

Traditionally a warm-up for July's Tour de France, the hilly week-long race kicks off Sunday with a short time trial and by next Sunday should give some hint as to who's hot and who's not for the upcoming battle for the yellow jersey.

With Astana not invited to this year's Tour, the team will be keen to stay on a victory high following Alberto Contador's recent Giro d'Italia triumph.

After three weeks of toil helping Contador win the pink jersey in Italy, Leipheimer will be looking for help from teammates Janez Brajkovic of Slovenia, Spaniard Daniel Navarro and fellow American Chris Horner.

However, co-team manager Alain Gallopin says the 34-year-old American, a winner here two years ago, could see his chances compromised by his recent efforts on Contador's behalf, not to mention the aims of his rivals.

"He's an experienced rider, he did his job well for Contador at the Giro without having to go too much into the red," said the Frenchman. "But he might still pay for his efforts. For a favorite, the Dauphiné perhaps comes a little too soon after the Giro.

"Normally, Levi should go well in the first part of the week. But he might struggle a bit more after that. You need to be fresh to do well in this race. The Giro was especially difficult, and the Dauphiné will be hard, too."

Leipheimer “will be trying to win,” added Gallopin. “He's among the favorites. But we have to also see how the other favorites, notably (Cadel) Evans and (Alejandro) Valverde, go."