The long career of Levi Leipheimer, pro happened in 1997, ended a six-month suspension, side effect of the investigation into Lance Armstrong. Without a contract since the Omega Pharma - Quick Step had broken his engagement last fall, American announced Sunday that he had not found a team to pursue his career. "I stopped, he explained to The Press Democrat Sunday on the sidelines of the Tour of California. My retirement was done without ceremony. I miss the competition. I love cycling. "

As part of the investigation by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, Leipheimer was told he had used blood transfusions and other doping practices, particularly in the years when he accompanied Armstrong to the U.S. Postal (2000-2001). His confession has lost the most beautiful lines of his record, including his third Tour de France in 2007. Very good rider, the rider in small size (1.68 m) nevertheless ensured that he stopped taking drugs after the 2007 season and he won the Tour of California (2008 and 2009) and the Tour of Castilla - Leon (2009) being clean.