Branson, MO - Nathan O'Neill of the Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented Maxxis came to southeastern Missouri a couple weeks ago to preview the Stage 3 time trial course of the Tour of Missouri and liked what he saw.

"I knew it was going to be a good course for me," he said.

The eight-time and current Australian national time trial champion started strong and stayed that way throughout the 28 km course, posting the fastest time for much of the day before finally being eclipsed by Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel). And while O'Neill had a similar result with Leipheimer at the Tour de Georgia, today he closed to gap to the winner of the final Tour de France time trial to a mere 16 seconds, from 1:18 in Georgia.

"I felt really good today and knew straight away that I was going to have a good day," O'Neill said. He was also pleased to finish so close to the rider who has been one of the best at the race against the clock all season.

Pipp battles

In the race for the overall classification, Frank Pipp of Health Net Presented by Maxxis, who came into the TT sitting 3rd overall, struggled a bit with the hilly course. Pipp, who isn't considered a strong time trialist, put in a respectable effort to earn 34th place, 4:57 behind Leipheimer, and 2:50 behind race leader George Hincapie (Discovery Channel), who finished 6th on the day. Hincapie extended his overall lead in the race to 1:40 over Will Frischkorn (Slipstream-Chipotle). Pipp dropped to 6th overall, 2:57 behind Hincapie, but just 0:35 behind new 3rd overall David Canada (Prodir-Saunier Duval).

Louder extends Mountains jersey lead

The final climb to the finish line was timed separately, with King of the Mountains points awarded to the five riders who finished the climb in the fastest times. Jeff Louder of Health Net Presented by Maxxis came through the climb with the fourth fastest time, earning three points and adding to his lead in the Michelob Ultra Kind of the Mountains competition. O'Neill came through with the third fastest time, behind Svein Tuft (Symmetrics), who finished the TT in 17th place, and Leipheimer.

Notes

Rory Sutherland of Health Net Presented by Maxxis also put in a strong ride in the TT today, posting a 9th place, at 2:55 behind Leipheimer. He finished two seconds ahead of 2007 Tour de France champion Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel).

Matt Crane posted a solid 33rd place, and moved up to 4th overall in the best young rider competition. He is 1:08 behind leader Steven Cozza (Slipstream-Chipotle).