Leipheimer crashed into Armstrong during the third stage

American rider Levi Leipheimer retained his lead in the Tour of California after Italy's Rinaldo Nocentini won stage seven with a thrilling finish.

Nocentini lunged ahead of New Zealand's Hayden Roulston on the line to come home first on the 88.9-mile stage from Santa Clarita to Pasadena's Rose Bowl.

The AG2R La Mondiale rider won in three hours, 24.44 minutes with Pieter Weening third in the three-man sprint.

Lance Armstrong was not in contention as he rode in support of Leipheimer.

But the American remained in sixth place overall heading into Sunday's final stage that finishes in Escondido neat San Diego.

Leipheimer, who takes a 36-second lead over American David Zabriskie into the 156km final stage, said Saturday's racing had been tough.

"It was a hard stage. With two stages to go, everyone wants a piece of the pie," said Leipheimer, who has led since the second stage.

"Teams will be going for it. It's definitely going to be a big battle."

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