PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — "Rinaldo Nocentini of Italy has lunged ahead of New Zealand's Hayden Roulston at the finish line to win Stage 7 of the Tour of California.American Levi Leipheimer of Astana retained his overall lead Saturday after the 88.9-mile leg from Santa Clarita to Pasadena's historic Rose Bowl.
Nocentini of AG2R La Mondiale won by less than a bike length, finishing in 3 hours, 24.44 seconds. Rabobank's Pieter Weening of the Netherlands was third in the three-man sprint to the finish.
Lance Armstrong, who began a comeback last month, wasn't among the stage leaders as he rode in support of Leipheimer, his Astana teammate."
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Only one more day for this annual event that has really grown in popularity in the past four years. If you're interest has bloomed a bit, there is a great movie about racing that is one of my favorites -- Breaking Away is a 1970's vintage story about a wanna be cyclist who idolizes the Italian racing team and tries to mirror their image in his small town existence. A Romeo/Juliet - Rich/Poor theme adds to the reality. A young Dennis Quade gets my vote for almost-good supporting actor. More of a coming of age movie than a cycling movie, so everyone can enjoy it.
