Astana takes one-two in Castilla time trial

The Astana team of the injured Lance Armstrong finally had something to smile about on Tuesday when another American, Levi Leipheimer, won the second stage of the Tour of Castilla y Leon.

Another Astana rider, Alberto Contador of Spain, was second in the individual time trial in the central town of Palencia, 16 seconds behind Leipheimer, who covered the 28.2 kilometres in 33 minutes, 17.78 seconds.

Leipheimer takes over the top spot in the overall standings from Spain's Joaquin Sobrino, who won Monday's first stage.

Contador, one of the pre-race favorites after taking the last two editions of the Tour, said before the race that the event would be decided in the Palencia time trial.

"I'm here with a great will to race but this edition seems very difficult because it will be decided in the 28km time trial," said the 2007 Tour de France champion.

Leipheimer, who began the Tour in the shadow of his more illustrious teammates Armstrong and Contador, is now the favourite to win the event.

Armstrong broke his collarbone when he fell along with several other riders during the first stage on Monday.

Astana team manager Johan Bruyneel predicted the 37-year-old would recover in time to bid for his eighth Tour de France title in July, and may even compete in the Giro d'Italia in May.

Armstrong ended a three-and-a-half year retirement at the Tour Down Under in Australia in January.