Leipheimer surges ahead in California

SANTA CRUZ, California: Levi Leipheimer settled for second place to US countryman Thomas Peterson in Monday's second stage of the Tour of California but took the overall lead with a risky and difficult ride.

Astana's Leipheimer launched the decisive break entering the last climb in the 186.6-kilometer stage from Sausalito to Santa Cruz and Peterson dropped in behind him through wind and rain before speeding past at the line to take the stage.

"I was charging," Peterson said. "Levi just came off and I saw him and I just sat on his wheel and basically the whole way to the finish it was easy because I just stayed on his wheel."