Vande Velde has been plagued by crashes in recent years, but he has proven to be a top 10 contender when healthy. His best Tour de France finish was fourth in 2008. This year doesn’t look good for the Illinois native to podium, but he will look for opportunities to take a stage win.
You can read his official team bio, follow him on Twitter (@ChristianVDV), or check out his fan club.