EuroPeloton Cycling Awards 2008: Breakthrough Performance, Christian Vande Velde, Tour de France

What a difference a year makes: Vande Velde's 2008 season suggests a huge 2009 is in store for the Garmin leader

Christian Vande Velde, in previous years, had always been a domestique for other big name riders. As a member of the US Postal team, he rode in support of Lance Armstrong, Roberto Heras, and even George Hincapie. After Postal, he moved over to Bjarne Riis' CSC team, where he supported Ivan Basso, Carlos Sastre and fellow American Bobby Julich. But in 2008, everything changed for the veteran, as he was granted the opportunity to ride for himself at the Giro, and then again at the Tour de France for his Garmin-Chipotle team. The results were nothing short of amazing.

Beginning at the Giro, Vande Velde rode into the Maglia Rosa after the prologue team time trial, as he and his Garmin teammates blistered the course. He rode strong throughout the remainder of the three week event, and came into the Tour de France as one of Garmin's top protected riders. After a solid first week and a good showing on the first mountain stage of the Tour, it started to look as though Vande Velde had what it took to stay with the best climbers on the Tour's steepest climbs.

The good vibrations continued throughout the Tour, as Vande Velde rode amazingly, silencing his critics, and finishing a very respectable 4th overall. In fact, if not for an unfortunate crash on stage 16, the upstart American may have been able to manage a podium placing. By the time the Tour ended, it had become clear: Christian Vande Velde was, and is, a legitimate contender for future grand tours. So, with his sublime ride at this past year's Tour, Christian Vande Velde is Euro Peloton's choice for breakthrough performance of 2008.

Vande Velde spoke at length about building his confidence in various interviews, including teaching himself to believe that he belongs among the world's best, and in the months after the Tour, he continued to improve his confidence levels. A top 20 in the Olympic road race in Beijing hinted at his still great form, and about a month later he won the Tour of Missouri behind strong time trialing and shrewd tactical management. Looking forward to 2009, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the new Garmin leader contend for victories at the tours of California, Paris-Nice, and the Criterium International. He'll likely ride the Giro again as prep for the Tour de France, where he'll hope to improve on last year's placing. It won't be east though.

After his breakthrough 2008 season, Vande Velde will be expected to perform at a high level again in 2009. The only difference for 2009 will be the increased pressure that goes along with being a favorite. After showing his potential as a grand tour threat, Vande Velde will be cast among the main protagonists for next year's Tour. Media attention, and the inherent pressure of being an undisputed team leader will be new challenges that will need to be met by Vande Velde if he is to be successful in 2009. Judging by his progression in 2008 though, all signs point to a windfall 2009 season for the American star.

Honorable mention for breakthrough performance of 2008 goes to Robert Gesink, the Dutchman from the Rabobank team. The lithe climber took the best young rider title (thanks Matt for the reminder) at the Tour of California last year, and was on the brink of victory at Paris-Nice, before being outmaneuvered by Davide Rebellin on the final stage. He finished 2nd. Later in the year, an excellent 9th overall at the Vuelta a Espana showed his potential as an eventual three week stage race winner, and Rababank management will throw their full resources behind the 23 year old for the upcoming season. He'll likely compete in his first Tour de France in 2009, as he continues to build his skills. One day, providing he can stay healthy, Gesink will be among the top stage racers in the world.