France (July 14, 2008) – As the Tour de France hit the mountains this week, Christian Vande Velde has made the most of his good form and established himself as one of the early favorites.  After a strong ride over the Col d'Aspin and into Bagnères de Bigorre, Vande Velde moved into 3rd in the over all G.C.

Today's mountain finish proved to be the first test of the team's strength and they passed with flying colors.  Vande Velde crossed the line in 10th place, along side Cadel Evens to defend his position in the GC. 

Team Garmin-Chipotle H3O stage 9 results:

1 Riccardo Riccò (Ita) Saunier Duval - Scott 5.39.28 (39.59km/h)
2 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale 1.04
3 Cyril Dessel (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale 1.17

20 Christian Vande Velde (USA) @ 1.17
42 Trent Lowe (Aus) @ 1.57
55 David Millar (GBr) @ 4.34
78 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) @ 9.04
118 Danny Pate (USA) @ 18.55
142 William Frischkorn (USA) @ 28.11
147 Julian Dean (NZl) @ 28.11
161 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) @ 28.11


Team Garmin-Chipotle H3O GC:

1 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia 38.07.19
2 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 0.06

3 Christian Vande Velde (USA) @ 0.44
25 David Millar (GBr) @ 4.31
69 Trent Lowe (Aus) @ 30.53
82 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) @ 37.30
115 Danny Pate (USA) @ 54.35
124 Julian Dean (NZl) @ 59.34
147 William Frischkorn (USA) @ 1.10.02
149 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) @ 1.10.59