At Stage 7 at “The Amgen Tour of California” I was fortunate to be able to be part of the press. This afforded me the ability to hang out in the infield of the criterium course, and speak with many of the powers to be in the cycling world. But the person who impressed me the most was Rob Leipheimer. The older brother of Levi Leipheimer by seven years.

As I was scoping out the best places to get my photos I was looking at Rob Leipheimer and thinking that he looked a lot like that top rider from the Discovery Pro Cycling Team. So I decided to find out who he was, and I am very glad I took the opportunity. Rob was so open and friendly that I found myself asking just “one more last question”. And Rob answered them all.

The thing that struck me the most was the big smile on Rob’s face when he was speaking of his famous cycling brother. He was just so very proud of his little brother. He was beaming when he was remembering their start on bikes. The 600-foot ascent up Main Street in Butte, which the brothers dubbed “the toughest mile in Montana.” Their upbringing in Montana. And the bike store/ski shop “The Outdoorsman” that Rob now runs in Butte Montana.

Just watching the Leipheimer’s was a pleasure. With Levi’s father, mother, wife, children, brother, and sister-in-law, all having a great time put a huge smile on my face also.

Rob confirmed what we all know and truly hoped was fact and that is that Levi is going for the Yellow Jersey at The Tour de France in 2007. That Levi’s sees 2007 as being one of his best chances to get the GC win. He is cycling at the top of his game and he at his prime. By watching his performance at the Amgen Tour of California I would have to agree.

So if you are ever in Butte, Montana go by the Outdoorsman and say hello. Tell Rob that you heard about him from Bicycle.net and that he is appreciated for his support of the US of A’s greatest cyclist in 2007.

Thanks Rob for the time, I hope to meet up with you in France when Levi goes for the BIG WIN AND IS WEARING YELLOW!