USA's Tejay Van Garderen remains calm, despite being Worlds time trial favourite
American Tejay Van Garderen before the 2009 World Championships (Image credit: Gregor Brown)
USA's Tejay Van Garderen is one of the favourites to win today's Under-23 time trial at the World Championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland. The 21-year-old said that despite his status heading into the race, he will take a relaxed approach to the 33.2 kilometre time trial.
"The Worlds is just a little bit different, everyone is just a little bit a more on edge," he told Cyclingnews. "The Worlds time trial is really no different than what you would do in the local Tuesday night time trial. You can't get too amped up, or you get too stressed and you think too much."
Van Garderen has come to the Worlds in excellent condition. He finished second in the time trial at this month's Tour de l'Avenir on his way to second overall. His result in the French event - one of the most important stage races for young riders - was a big improvement on his eighth overall last year.
This year, Van Garderen scaled back his training in July to be ready for his end of season objectives at l'Avenir and the World Championships.
"I still feel strong now," he continued. "I am still motivated and I am definitely looking forward to doing a good time trial. I am definitely one of the favourites. I am there to go hunt for a medal."
American Bob Stapleton will be watching to see if Van Garderen wins a medal. The Columbia-HTC manager has signed the young talent to race for the squad in 2010. The team has a strong pedigree of time trialists that includes reigning World Champion Bert Grabsch (Germany) and three-time winner Michael Rogers (Australia).
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