Interview: Catching up with Levi Leipheimer

Steph caught up with Astana’s Levi Leipheimer as he talks about doing the Giro and Tour double, Astana’s financial stability, and differences between his previous teams and his current team.

almost 3 years ago lyne 27 comments 1 recs |

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Excellent Questions Steph

and nice photos as usual Lyne. Just where is the one with the interviewer and interviewee?

You make him sound actually nice!

by bbnaz on Apr 19, 2009 12:24 PM EDT reply actions

So did he actually seem like it was a target

or is it just a big race to get to the Tour?

Just spinning the pedals in the hills of Western Maryland

by natbla on Apr 20, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions

yup....and he should be in good form too

by steph- on Apr 20, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions

This makes me very happy!

Now lets hope they send a team that can actually support him in this endevour. I’m not sure HHSNBN is going to be worth a ton when the Mtns go up high, so who will be his Uber Mtn goat?

Just spinning the pedals in the hills of Western Maryland

by natbla on Apr 21, 2009 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Jani?

Moreover, it is my opinion that Alejandro Valverde is an asshole who should not be allowed to compete in bikeraces right now.

by Jens on Apr 21, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions

Seems likely

My very short list for the race is:

Levi
HHMNBN (with an 80% healed collor bone)
Horner (says he’ll be back from his injures)
Jani
and the three requisite Kazakh riders
who else?

BTW just realized that the Giro is only 2 weeks and 5 days away. Yeah!

Just spinning the pedals in the hills of Western Maryland

by natbla on Apr 21, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

don't forget Popovych

I spoke with him right before the ToC and the Giro was very much in his plan….darn I really need to get that interview up….

by steph- on Apr 21, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Horner saying he won't make it all the way: wants to rest up for the Tour

And we know Lance has said he might not go all the way too.

by ursula on Apr 21, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions

And as we are reading that.......

The ItalianCancerlove-o-meter spikes again

Moreover, it is my opinion that Alejandro Valverde is an asshole who should not be allowed to compete in bikeraces right now.

by Jens on Apr 21, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

oh shoot speaking of interviews... Jani

by lyne on Apr 21, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

If you have one of those, get busy writing it up

It’s not easy to find stories on that guy despite the results he’s had. Is he not journo-friendly material (no english?) or why do you suppose that is?

Moreover, it is my opinion that Alejandro Valverde is an asshole who should not be allowed to compete in bikeraces right now.

by Jens on Apr 21, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions

actually Jani's english is perfect and he's a good interview

not sure why there are not more interviews with him out there. i could hazard a guess that because he’s not so well known, some extra research is needed before the interview and that might deter some… but that would be just mean.

just running out of time, but will try and get to it asap.

by lyne on Apr 21, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Rubiera says he's doing the Giro.

by Ruthann on Apr 21, 2009 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Oooohhh Chechu loves the Giro

I chatted with Chechu last year at the ToC….and the Giro is his fav race…..

by steph- on Apr 21, 2009 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

That is excellent news

my fear was that he was going, a bit blasé about it, not wanting to waste precious TdF-energy. If he wants it , he should be a top-favourite for the Giro.

Moreover, it is my opinion that Alejandro Valverde is an asshole who should not be allowed to compete in bikeraces right now.

by Jens on Apr 21, 2009 2:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Great job Steph, thanks!

I will ease of with my Valverde comments, very good interview, appreciate it!

by Bruce Suomi on Apr 19, 2009 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

did someone mention Valverde?

by steph- on Apr 20, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Levi rocks as a racer, he's always been a nice guy

but he and his wife are terrible interior decorators

by sminer on Apr 19, 2009 6:55 PM EDT reply actions

I love the Kloden comment

Good work Steph

More Muur...

by Jimbo... on Apr 20, 2009 2:36 PM EDT reply actions

seriously!! was that too funny!!

by steph- on Apr 20, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I have come full circle on Levi...

A couple years back…he was very unapproachable…even rude….but this past year we have all noticed a softer….more friendly Levi…..and that’s why we discussed the perceived “change.” I am very much a Levi fan now.

I was not expecting to get an “interview”….it just worked out that way. I was simply looking for a post race quote but…..he was quite comfortable sitting in the back of the car….and was cool with answering a hodge podge of questions. Hats off to Levi for being so accessible, open and funny!!

….and Lyne pics totally rock. Have you see the picture of Jo Kiesanowski’s Sea Otter Circut win….that was absolutely beautiful: