Lance Armstrong’s Astana team-mate Levi Leipheimer, currently fourth in the Tour de France general classification, faces an anxious wait to see if he will be able to ride in Friday’s 13th stage.

The 35-year-old took a tumble 2km from the finish line and crossed the line at the back of the peloton to end the race five mins, 58 secs behind stage winner Nicki Soerensen.

Leipheimer remains fourth at 39 seconds behind yellow jersey-holder Rinaldo Nocentini with Astana team-mates Alberto Contador second at 6 and Armstrong third at 8.

Californian Leipheimer has been left with bruising to the right side of his back and road rashes on his right shoulder, lower back and hip, but his injured wrist is the biggest cause for concern.

“My wrist hurts, it will be uncomfortable tomorrow, but surprisingly, I am okay – it could have been much worse,” said Leipheimer, whose injury did not warrant an x-ray.

“With 2km to go, my tyre was sliding and I couldn’t save my bike from sliding out.

“I slid out and hit the curb, I saw (Columbia’s) Mick Rogers come over me onto the grass, I have heard he will be okay.”

Photo by: CorVos Pro