VeloGuy spent the end of the race sitting in the finishing shoot with camera in hand watching for the leaders to cross the finish line. Sitting next to him was a Rabobank team member. The Rabobank team member told our reporter that Leipheimer and Gesink agreed to work together rather than against themselves in their breakaway to the finish.

They agreed that if Gesink worked with Levi to get him to the end and put him in the golden jersey, Levi would let Gesink take the stage win. That’s exactly the way it played out in the end. Levi will take the jersey, and Gesink gets a podium.

Stay tuned as we upgrade this article with pictures and more commentary.

Hincapie is 45 seconds ahead, but 20 miles still to ride.

The Peleton hunts down Hincapie

Hincapie works to stay out front. Climbing the mountain

Astana hunts down Hincapie

Here comes the Astana train

Gesink and Leipheimer work together

Lets get to the top of the mountain. It’s all downhill from there.

Top of the mountain. Rabobank’s Robert Gesink and Levi Leipheimer riding together over the top.

Chase team tries to pull Gesink and Leipheimer back

Gesink isn’t coming back.

Gesink and Leipheimer push to the finish

Gesink takes stage three, tour of California, 2008. Leipheimer is far enough ahead to take the golden jersey and set himself up for upcoming time trials.