SILVER CITY, N.M. (AP) — Lance Armstrong finished in third place in the windy 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 60 miles per hour hampered riders protecting teammates proved to the major focus of teams.
Armstrong and RadioShack teammate Jason McCartney protected Leipheimer for much of the race, as the course became more hectic and windy down the stretch.
The wind caused six crashes during the race, though there were no serious injuries.
