Van Garderen's first pro road victory earns him leader's jersey in Colorado

Tejay van Garderen (BMC) has steadily built palmares replete with young rider classification titles at professional cycling's highest level, such as this year's Tour de France, and numerous high stage and general classification placings. But victories have been few and far between for the 24-year-old American. Until Tuesday's victory at the USA Pro Challenge in Mt. Crested Butte, where he overpowered Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Sharp) at the conclusion of a steep, leg-sapping finale, van Garderen's road stage tally as a professional stood at zero.

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Based in the southeastern United States, Peter produces race coverage for all disciplines, edits news and writes features. The New Jersey native has 30 years of road racing and cyclo-cross experience, starting in the early 1980s as a Junior in the days of toe clips and leather hairnets. Over the years he's had the good fortune to race throughout the United States and has competed in national championships for both road and 'cross in the Junior and Masters categories. The passion for cycling started young, as before he switched to the road Peter's mission in life was catching big air on his BMX bike.