Leipheimer to address Hall of Fame audience

Astana's Levi Leipheimer will be the keynote speaker at the 2008 United States Bicycling Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Ceremony on November 2 in the California city of Davis. The event will honour four legendary U.S. cyclists and sports contributors.

Leipheimer recently won a bronze medal in the time trial event at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China, his second Olympics appearance. The former Discovery Channel rider also finished third at last year's Tour de France behind team-mate Alberto Contador and Australian Cadel Evans.

"I am honoured as an athlete and a cyclist to have been asked to speak at such an important induction event, and the first in the western U.S," Leipheimer said. "The sport of cycling has provided me with so many great experiences and I am glad to be giving back to those who have been so influential in its growth in the United States."

The four Hall of Fame honorees are Cheri Elliott, off-road competitor; Mike Plant as contributor; Jeanne Golay, modern competitor; and the late Jimmy Walthour, veteran competitor in six-day races.