Photo by falling.bullets at flickr.com. Levi Leipheimer fights to add seconds to his margin over challenger Jens Voight in Friday's time trial.

Levi Leipheimer assumed undisputed control of the Amgen Tour of California on Friday, as he powered to victory on the individual time trial and gained valuable seconds on his nearest challenger.

The Discovery Channel cyclist posted the fastest time of 29:40 over the 14.5-mile loop course around Solvang, beating 2nd-place challenger Jens Voigt by 18 seconds, which gives the US rider a 21-second overall lead.

With just two stages remaining, this tour is virtually in the bag for Discovery Channel if Leipheimer's teammates hold off the attacks over the last two stages. Barring a major debacle, the only cyclist within striking distance is Team CSC's Voigt. The strategy for Discovery is easy: "Don't let Voigt get away." ...   more »