All systems go for road race

Image 1 of 4

Kirk Carlson on the way to the start.(Image credit: Tejay van Garderen)

Tejay Van Garderen and his four American teammates approached the U23 world championship road race on Saturday in Mendrisio, Switzerland with high hopes.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Follow American Tejay van Garderen's (HTC-Highroad) exclusive Cyclingnews blog

22-year-old van Garderen, had a stellar 2010 debut season in the ProTour ranks and finished third at the Dauhpine in June and coming in 35th place overall in his debut Grand Tour at the Vuelta a Espana.

In 2009 he finished second overall at the Tour de l'Avenir.

Van Garderen spent the 2008-2009 seasons racing for the Dutch Rabobank Continental team. Winner in 2009 of France's Tour du Haut Anjou and the final stage of the Netherlands' Olympia's Tour (plus second overall).