THE STORY OF LEVI LEIPHEIMER - THE LEVI EFFECT Hits Theaters Today, 10/23

Pro cyclist Levi Leipheimer has raced his way through some of the cycling world's most celebrated contests including the Tour de France, the Olympics and most recently, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge where he finished third overall. Next, Leipheimer cruises onto the big screen with "The Story of Levi Leipheimer – The Levi Effect" today, October 23 at 7:30 p.m. local time.

Broadcast to select movie theaters across the country, Leipheimer will kick off this special in-theater event with an introduction of "The Levi Effect," an inspiring documentary that chronicles the twists and turns of his life's journey – both on and off the bicycle. Presented by NCM Fathom Events, Citizen Pictures and Bike Monkey, the event will also feature a panel discussion, pre-recorded on Sept. 28 in Santa Rosa, Calif., during the GranFondo cycling event, with actor Patrick Dempsey ("Grey's Anatomy"), filmmaker Frank Matson ("Race Across the Sky" 2009 & 2010) and Leipheimer. They will discuss the current state of professional cycling, Leipheimer's experience racing alongside teammate Lance Armstrong with the U.S. Postal cycling team, as well as what the future holds for the sport of cycling.

Tickets for "The Story of Levi Leipheimer – The Levi Effect" are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change). The event will be broadcast to more than 560 select movie theaters across the country through NCM's exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.

"Being at the center of this story has forced me to reflect on my life in ways I never before considered," said Leipheimer. "It made me realize the bigger result of believing in a dream which this story conveys in a way that will inspire others to do the same."

"The Levi Effect" is the true story of Leipheimer, who left behind the mountains of Butte, Mont., for a life of cramped hotels, endless traveling and grueling training hours. After years of struggling against the world's top athletes, Leipheimer finally earned a spot in their ranks. Now, at the apex of his career, he finds himself in a place that he'd never considered: that his greatest legacy may not be his racing success on the bike, but rather how he's carried that success off the bike and captured the hearts of fans around the world.

"Levi Leipheimer will inspire movie theater audiences with his triumphant story of becoming one of cycling's elite athletes," said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events. "The evening will wrap with a discussion about the sport from different perspectives including the cyclist, the actor and the film maker. No cycling fan will want to miss this event."