THE SIDELINES : Tired LeMond Drops Out of Race

MINNEAPOLIS — Fatigue prompted three-time Tour de France winner and hometown favorite Greg LeMond to withdraw three-quarters of the way through the Du Pont Pro Cycling Championships race, which was won by Michael Carter of Boulder, Colo.

Carter outraced a field of 55 world-class cyclists from 12 countries Sunday to take top honors and move into contention for the U.S. Pro Cycling Federation’s national criterium crown.

He seized control of the race in the 15th lap and dominated from then on, finishing the 52-mile event in 2 hours, 5 minutes, 42 seconds. LeMond, who has a home in suburban Wayzata, withdrew in the 30th lap of the 40-lap race.

“That was a hard race. I’m so embarrassed,” said LeMond, who before the race accepted a plaque proclaiming Sunday “Greg LeMond Day” in Minnesota. “I knew I’d feel bad, but not this bad. I’ve felt lousy all week.

“Before the race started, I debated if I should start it. I should never have started. If it were a flat course, I wouldn’t have had a problem. But on a course like this, there was no faking today.”