Tour of California: Levi Clipped by Lance Armstrong, but Still in the Lead

Cyclists ascend Patterson Pass outside Livermore, CA during the third stage of the Tour of California cycling race. (AP Photo/Michael A. Mariant)

Stage 3 of the Tour of California between San Jose and Modesto tested riders endurance and will to take another onslaught of cold rain on their 101 mile journey. However, there's good news today: "The forecast for the Central Valley calls for mostly sunny skies, which will improve the riders' dispositions and the television broadcast," the Mercury News reports.

As usual, there were some crashes along the race, one of which that sent two out of the race, or "crashed out" in bike speak. Levi Leipheimer, who is still in the lead, but did not win the stage, had a quick crash after he took his eyes off the road for a split second and clipped the wheel of his teammate, Lance Armstrong, who remains in fourth overall.

Thor Hushovd of Norway--in 61st place overall--won the stage after he sprinted forward in Modesto.

Today's stage begins at noon in Merced and will make its way 115 miles to Clovis through the Sierra Mountains. "This stage will be characterized by consistent climbing surrounded by the beautiful mountain scenery," the Tour website describes.