SILVER CITY, New Mexico, April 29, 2010 – American Lance Armstrong finished in third place in the second stage of the Tour of the Gila on Thursday, helping teammate Levi Leipheimer preserve his overall lead.

Luis Amaran beat out Leipheimer in the final sprint to win the 80-mile loop that started and ended in Fort Bayard.

Seven-time Tour de France champion Armstrong finished in a group of about 20 riders.

Wind gusts of up to 96 kilometres per hour (60 miles per hour) hampered riders and protecting teammates seemed to be the major focus of teams.

The wind caused six crashes during the race, but there were no serious injuries.

Lance Armstrong Working For Leipheimer

Armstrong and Landis At Gila

Story by: AFP
Photos by: VeloImages.com