The road to recovery for pro racer Levi Leipheimer could include the Tour of Utah.

Leipheimer, a Rowland Hall graduate who had to withdraw from the Tour de France after breaking his wrist, would be welcome to participate in the Tour of Utah, scheduled Aug. 18-23, according to race director Terry McGinnis.

"If he wanted to race, we would definitely let him in," McGinnis said. "I have the flexibility to do that and he would be more than welcome."

Max Testa, Leipheimer's coach who works out of The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital in Murray, said he plans to talk to Leipheimer to see if he is interested in participating in the race.

Leipheimer, who is in California and already training on a stationary bike, will be in Salt Lake City next week, Testa said.

Leiphiemer often trains in Utah so he would be familiar with the course and the timing would probably fit his comeback schedule, Testa said.

"His injury takes four to six weeks to heal, and training wouldn't be an issue," Testa said. "He likes to come here for training and it could be good timing for him."

The Tour of Utah already has several other big names coming, including Floyd Landis who was stripped of his 2006 Tour de France victory when he tested positive for doping and Francisco Mancebo, who finished fourth in the 2005 Tour de France.

He left cycling after being linked to the 2006 doping case that marred the 2006 Tour, but has returned to ride for Rock Racing.

"The race is becoming big enough that it would be a good one for Levi," McGinnis said.

McGinnis said he plans to talk to Leipheimer as well about his interest in participating in the Tour of Utah.

"It could be a great thing for us," he said.

Leipheimer lost control of his bike five days ago and skidded into a curb. His injuries weren't thought to be serious, but further examinations revealed the break, forcing him to withdraw before the critical mountain stages.

He was fourth overall when the injury occurred.

"He was very disappointed," Testa said. "He had to pull out before his race even started. He wants to keep racing though. He doesn't want to stop and is already planning his Tour next year."