Discovery dominates
Leipheimer takes stage 5
By JARED PUTNAM Union Sentinel Editor

Discovery always seems to be tuned in to Stage 5 of the Tour de Georgia. This year Levi Leipheimer of the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling team broke away from the pack with 4km to go in Stage 5, coasting to victory across the finish line atop Brasstown Bald Mountain with a time of 4 hours, 33 minutes, and 33 seconds. Leipheimer finished 38 seconds ahead of teammate Tom Danielson.

Danielson, who won the stage in 2006, took second place honors while Anthony Colby of Colavita/Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light came in third.

Yet another Discovery Channel team rider, Janez Brajkovic, took the AT&T Leader Jersey for the stage. Brajkovic also won the GE Best Young Rider Jersey. The Maxxis Sprint Leader Jersey went to Daniele Contrini of Tinkoff Credit Systems while the Dent Wizard Most Aggressive Jersey was taken by Alexandre Moos of BMC Racing Team. The locally sponsored United Community Bank King of the Mountain Leader Jersey was awarded to Ryder Hesjedal of Health Net presented by Maxxis.

The 107.7 mile stage began in Dalton at 11 a.m., travelling through Murray County, Gilmer County, Fannin County, and Union County before climbing Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia. The trek through Union County brought the Tour through Suches and across Wolfpen Gap before entering the home stretch up Hwy. 180. Leipheimer shadowed Gilberto Simoni of Prodir-Saunier Duval through much of the stage before finally pulling away in that last leg of the race.

Tom Danielson, Levi Leipheimer, and Anthony Colby all stand atop the podium at the stage 5 finish line on Brasstown Bald.

Asked what makes the climb up Brasstown Bald means to him, Danielson, the overall race winner in 2005, said that the mountain has become a huge part of his life. "It's incredible. It's like no other climb and that's what makes it so special," Danielson said. "I love this stage. Truly I feel this has launched my career."

Danielson even has his own line of coffee blends named after famous climbs. The brews vary in strength based on strength of the climb, with Brasstown Bald being the strongest.

Above: Tom Danielson looks on as teammate Levi Leipheimer is interviewed following his victory in stage 5. Right: Leipheimer flashes peace signs as he coasts across the finish line. Janez Brajkovic gets kissed on the cheeks at the end of Stage 5. Brajkovic claimed the GE "Best Young Rider" Jersey along with the Leader Jersey in the stage.