Leipheimer is in a strong position to win the overall title

Levi Leipheimer extended his lead in the Tour of California after winning the individual time trial on Friday.

The American completed the 15-mile course in 30 minutes, 40 seconds to increase his overall lead over second-placed David Zabriskie to 36 seconds.

Lance Armstrong, riding the bike that had been stolen and then returned earlier in the week, finished 14th in the time trial.

Armstrong dropped from fourth to sixth in the overall standings.

The American is riding in his first competitive event on home soil since returning from retirement, and has been keeping fans updated on his progress on his Twitter site.

"Done with the tt. That hurt!," wrote Armstrong.

"Not a bad first test. Wanted to be top 15 so was able to do that. Story of the day tho (sic) was Levi. Amazing."

Armstrong was unable to cut the gap on his Astana team-mate Leipheimer, with his compatriot finishing more than a minute ahead of him on the mostly flat course.

"This year, the time trial means the most because it was a such close race," Leipheimer added.

It would take a lot of screwing up on Astana's part (to lose) David Zabriskie

"People have less and less to lose so they are more willing to throw caution to the wind and come at us with everything they have.

"The competition is super high. You won't find a better peloton right now."

Zabriskie admitted the event was Leipheimer's to lose now.

"It would take a lot of screwing up on their part (to lose)," he said.

"With the experience that they have and the depth of their team, they know what they're doing."

Australia's Michael Rogers of Columbia-High Road is third overall, 46 seconds behind Leipheimer.

Spain's Carlos Sastre, the reigning Tour de France champion, finished 82nd in the stage and is 99th overall.

The race continues on Saturday with stage seven, an 88.9-mile ride from Santa Clarita to Pasadena's historic Rose Bowl stadium.

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