Jesse Sergent (Trek Livestrong) pulled off an upset today in stage three at the Tour of the Gila, beating a world-class field in the 26.6 kilometer time trial. The 21 year old Kiwi finished with a time of 34 minutes and 9 seconds. He put 14 seconds into race leader Levi Leipheimer who finished second, and a further 12 seconds on US time trial champion Dave Zabriskie who capped off the podium in third.
Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong was a full 1 minute and 50 seconds off of Seargent's time in thirteenth place, with Tom Danielson finishing in fourth, 58 seconds faster than Armstrong. Sergent is already a successful pursuit rider on the track, and has shown just how much potential he has for the road with his victory today.
The stage began in cold weather with predicted brisk winds of up to 20mph. Sergent put in his work on the out and back course beginning with a category four ascent of the Little Burro Pass. On the way back the climb featured gradients of up to 7 percent and was increased in rating to category three. The last seven kilometers was a rapid decent to the finish.
Tour of the Gila stage three time trial results:
1. Jesse Sergent (Trek Livestrong) 34:09
2. Levi Leipheimer (Mellow Johnny's) 34:23
3. David Zabrsikie (DZNuts) 34:35
4. Tom Danielson (DZNuts) 34:55
5. Phillip Zajicek (Fly V Australia) 35:10
Selected:
13. Lance Armstrong (Mellow Johnny's) 35:59
Overall General Classification after stage three:
1. Levi Leipheimer (Mellow Johnny's)