Belgium's Tom Boonen reacts as he crosses the finish line to win the classic Paris - Roubaix race. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jacques Brinon

Tom Boonen (Quick Steo) Wins Paris-Roubaix 2009

ROUBAIX, France — Tom Boonen of Belgium won the Paris Paris-Roubaix race for the third time, successfully breaking away from the pack about 16 kilometres from the end of Sunday's one-day classic in an event marred by an incident in which a motorcycle crashed into fans.

Television images showed several spectators lying on the ground, but it was not immediately known how many people were injured or whether the injuries were serious.

Boonen comfortably beat Filippo Pozzato of Italy by 47 seconds. Thor Hushovd of Norway finished third, 1:17 behind Boonen.

"With all the crashes today, it was very hard, it took time for the last break to take shape," Boonen said.

Watch a video of the last few kilometers

Levi Leipheimer wins 3rd Tour of California

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (AP) - The climb up a snowcapped mountain during the final stage certainly gave the Tour of California a European feel, as well as the spectators dressed in an array of costumes from a devil to an overweight guy wearing only a lime-green thong.

So did the presence of seven-time Tour de France Lance Armstrong, although his role this time was simply as a teammate.

With a boost from Armstrong and a tough mountain to climb, Levi Leipheimer won his third straight Tour of California on Sunday.

It was somewhat of an anticlimactic finish, considering that Leipheimer had taken over the lead in the nine-day race last Monday and never gave it up.

“It' the sweetest victory of the three," Leipheimer said. "It's hard to describe. I mean, to keep a streak going like that, it just becomes so difficult. I told Lance this week that I don’t know how the hell he won seven times in the Tour de France. I’ve got a lot of respect for that because the pressure builds, the expectations are higher and you can’t get second place because that’s losing.”

Read Bill Oetinger's Spot that pro! and Naomi's Twice the TOC Stages, Twice the Fun columns related to the Tour of California

See the King Range National Conservation Area

The Paradise Royale Mountain Bike Trail has been in the works for 3 years.  We've worked in association with IMBA to build a sustainable single track trail.  The trail is a 14.25 mile loop.  We're hoping in the future to make a series of stacked loops. Link

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2008 Tour de France page

Video from Versus:
Levi Leipheimer talks about creating cycling history.
Check out Johan Bruyneel talking about the Tour de France.

Sastre Wins 2008 TDF

By Phil Liggett
July 27, 2008

Carlos Sastre and the best team - CSC - won the most interesting Tour de France in years. It was unpredictable right down to the final time trial on Saturday.

There is not a lot more to say as people pack their bags on the Champs-Elysees except, roll on next year!

The Tour did not escape its drug scandals, but you could tell by the reaction of the media that there is a feeling of optimism for the future.

The young riders are coming through like Andy Schleck, Roman Kreuziger, Vincenzo Nibali, Chris Froome, John Lee Augustyn and more. The list also includes last year's winner, Alberto Contador, who will return next year.

I think Sastre chose the right year to win, as he is unlikely to do so again.

Enjoy the moment.
Courtesy of Versus.com