Levi Leipheimer
Height: 5-7
Weight: 140 lbs
Place of Birth: Butte, Mont.
Residence: Santa Rosa, Calif./Gerona, Spain
Pro Team/Sponsors: Astana (LUX)
Education: University of Utah
Website/Blog: www.levileipheimer.net
Olympic Experience: 2008: Bronze medal in Individual Time Trial ... 2004 (DNF, men's road race)
Personal
In 2007, Levi Leipheimer followed in the footsteps of cycling legends Greg LeMond, Bobby Julich and Lance Armstrong to become just the fourth American in history to finish on the podium of the Tour de France. His third-place effort and stage win propelled him into legendary status of U.S. cycling history. After 94 editions of the world's most grueling and prestigious race, Levi is one of only 10 Americans who can say they won a stage of the Tour.
A competitive Alpine skier, Levi made the switch to cycling at the age of 19 as a student at the University of Utah after using the bike for cross-training purposes. A solid season as a domestic pro in 1999 caught the eye of the European peloton as Levi ascended to the sport's highest level to compete for several UCI ProTour squads including the U.S. Postal Service (USA), Rabobank (NED), Gerolsteiner (GER), Discovery Channel (USA) and Astana (LUX). Today he's considered one of the top stage racers and Grand Tour riders in the world.
Along with his wife, Odessa, when Levi's not traveling the world racing his bike, he's deeply involved in various animal welfare causes. With two dogs and six cats themselves, the couple established an animal refuge program and serve as spokespeople for PETA to promote animal population control. Together, Levi and Odessa have welcomed over 100 foster animals into their home as part of their animal rescue work.
Point of Interest
- Levi and his wife, Odessa Gunn, founded Freedom Hill, a charitable organization that promotes animal welfare, and are staunch advocates of similar animal rights initiatives such as A Leg Up, Sonoma County's Forgotten Felines and Best Friends.
- As the youngest member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Cycling Team at 30, Levi was a last-minute replacement for Lance Armstrong.
- After a breakthrough season in 2001 in which Levi placed third overall at the Vuelta a España, he's since placed in the top 10 of the Tour de France four times.
