With the Mellow Johnny’ s team driving the front a small break formed on the brutal Mogollan climb in the final 15 miles of the final stage of the SRAM Tour of the Gila. Ultimately it was SRAM-equipped Fly V-Australia’s Phil Zajicek leaping away for the victory. Lance took second as Levi and Lance came in just seconds back shaking hands. Photographer Casey Gibson said that Mellow Johnny’s Chris Horner pulled the break for the vast majority of the last 20 miles, sharing time with Armstrong, with Horner only fading in the final steep kilometers.

The crowd in the small town of Pinos Altos was incredible, with riders and spectators all jammed in at the narrow and steep finishing straight, which shot upwards in the final kilometer. The town itself has a tiny population and reports from cycling editors will be slow to come in because cell coverage and communication are limited. Fortunately for SRAM we are housed just a few miles from the finish.

Levi Leipheimer has officially won the 2009 Tour of the Gila, the latter placings are still being determined. More pics and updates to follow…

Pics by SRAM’s Paul Damato

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