Dutch rider claims Tour's 'hardest day'

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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SAN JOSE — Robert Gesink of the Netherlands claimed the day's honors and Levi Leipheimer of Santa Rosa became the third overall race leader Wednesday in the mountainous third stage of the Amgen Tour of California.

Gesink (Rabobank), 21, captured the second win of his two-year pro career, crossing the line of the 102.7-mile Modesto-to-San Jose race in 4 hours, 28 minutes and 29 seconds.

"I won one race last year, but this win is better because the field is so much stronger," said Gesink, who rode with Leipheimer for the final 20 miles with a large pack steadily narrowing its deficit.

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Leipheimer (Astana), the race's defending titlist who began the day in sixth position and trailing former race leader Tyler Farrar by seven seconds, finished just behind Gesink in the same time.

Leipheimer, third in the 2007 Tour de France, now holds a 13-second lead over former race leader Fabian Cancellara (CSC) of Switzerland.

Farrar (Slipstream-Chipotle) of Wenatchee, Wash., withdrew from the race about 2½ hours into the stage with a stomach virus that has plagued several team members.

Gesink is third overall, trailing Leipheimer by 15 seconds with four stages of the seven-stage, eight-day race remaining.

Leipheimer and Gesink emerged at the front of the field following the most difficult stage in the race's three-year history. It featured five climbs, including the ascent of Mount Hamilton — elevation 4,360 feet — followed by a steep 20-mile descent with 165 turns.

"Today was the hardest day we see in the Tour of California in its three-year history," said Leipheimer. "Mount Hamilton turned out to be a really hard climb and for Team Astana we had something to prove. The team was phenomenal."

Last week, Astana was notified it wouldn't be allowed to compete in this year's Tour de France, because three former team members were suspended last season for doping violations.

"We're here to race and give it everything," said Leipheimer. "Whether I finish first or I finish last, we're here to do out best.

"We're the best team in the world; we're not going to come here and hang out heads low. We're going to answer with our legs and with our racing style."

The third stage took its toll. Three riders were eliminated for finishing outside the time limit. Eight riders didn't start because of sickness.

Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissel) finished 20th, racing into his hometown of San Jose. He is 16th overall.

The remaining 120 riders from a starting field of 133 in Palo Alto last Sunday will contest the race's longest leg today.

The 135-mile Stage 4 road race will take the field from Seaside to San Luis Obispo. The eight-day, 650-race continues through Sunday.