Tejay Van Garderen Makes HTC-Columbia Debut in Mallorca

Challenge Mallorca a learning experience for American

Tejay Van Garderen (HTC-Columbia) enjoyed his professional debut on Sunday's stage one of the Challenge Mallorca, in Spain. The American came home in 69th place but worked for team sprinter André Greipel who, despite recent success at the Tour Down Under, could only manage 11th place.

Last year Van Garderen rode for the Rabobank Continental squad but signed for Bob Stapleton's team after securing second spot in the Tour de l'Avenir. However, Sunday's opening criterium around the streets of Palma marked a new dawn in the young professional's career and one that despite Greipel's loss, gave Van Garderen some vital learning experiences.

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