UPDATE, Feb. 22: For the third year in a row, Levi Leipheimer won the Amgen Tour of California in a time of 31 hours, 28 minutes and 21 seconds. Leipheimer, the leader of Team Astana, finished 36 seconds ahead of David Zabriskie of Team Garmin-Slipstream in Escondido, 30 miles north of San Diego.

Astana teammate Lance Armstrong secured a seventh place finish, 1 hour and 46 minutes behind. Following a three-year hiatus, Armstrong rode in the event not only in support of Leipheimer, but also to raise cancer awareness.

The Fresno area welcomed an international cycling phenomenon when the Amgen Tour of California, America’s premier professional cycling event, concluded Stage 4 in Old Town Clovis, Feb. 18.

Spectators crowded along the sides of Pollasky Street in hopes of glimpsing seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong of the U.S. pedal to the finish line.

The 115.8-mile stage featured a total of 108 cyclists in the tour. England’s Mark Cavendish of Team Columbia-Highroads won Stage 4 in 4 hours, 42 minutes, and 38 seconds, followed by Belgium’s Tom Boonen of Team Quick Step.

Team Astana’s two-time defending champion, Levi Leipheimer of the U.S., retained the overall lead of the 108-rider tour. Armstrong finished in a large pack behind the leaders and settled for fourth overall for the tour.

For most of the race, Tyler Hamilton of Rock Racing, Jason McCartney of Team Saxo Bank and Serge Pauwels of Cerv