Tejay van Garderen

Tejay van Garderen was born on August 12, 1988, in Tacoma, Washington, USA. He grew up in Bozeman, Montana, where he began cycling at a young age. His interest in cycling was cultivated by his father, and he quickly showed promise as a cyclist. This early start in cycling set the stage for his future career as a professional road racing cyclist, where he would become known for his time-trialing abilities and stage racing performances.

In 2010, Tejay van Garderen signed with UCI ProTeam HTC-Highroad for the 2011 season, marking the beginning of his professional career at the highest level. Riding for HTC-Highroad, van Garderen gained valuable experience and had the chance to develop his skills further in the international cycling arena. His time with HTC-Highroad set the groundwork for his future successes in professional cycling.

Tejay van Garderen achieved a major career milestone by finishing in 5th place in the 2012 Tour de France. As part of the BMC Racing Team, van Garderen not only finished fifth but also secured the white jersey for best young rider. This performance established him as one of the most promising young talents in the world of cycling and marked him as a future contender for Grand Tour events.

Tejay van Garderen won the 2013 Tour of California, claiming the overall victory and proving his capabilities as a leading stage racer. This victory was a significant achievement, showcasing his prowess in multi-stage races and enhancing his reputation in the cycling community. His performance in this event was seen as a precursor to his potential in larger, more prestigious cycling tours.

Tejay van Garderen once again secured a 5th place finish in the 2014 Tour de France, echoing his impressive performance from two years prior. This consistency in one of the world's most challenging cycling races further solidified his reputation as a top-tier cyclist highly capable of contending in Grand Tours. This performance underscored his potential to be a future Tour de France podium contender.

In 2015, Tejay van Garderen won the Tour of California for the second time, cementing his status as a dominant force in the race. His win was characterized by consistent performances throughout the event, showcasing his strategic prowess and endurance. This repeat victory added to his growing list of accomplishments and reinforced his position as a top American stage racer in international cycling.

Tejay van Garderen achieved a memorable stage victory during Stage 18 of the 2017 Giro d'Italia. This victory was his first in a Grand Tour, marking a significant personal achievement and contributing to his team's efforts in one of the most prestigious cycling races. The win was celebrated as a testament to his tenacity and skill in competitive road racing.

Tejay van Garderen finished as the runner-up in the 2019 Amgen Tour of California. This result was a testament to his experience and competitive spirit in the world of professional cycling. Despite not winning, his performance was regarded as impressive and showcased his ability to compete at a high level against some of the best cyclists globally.

On July 23, 2020, Tejay van Garderen announced his retirement from professional cycling. This decision marked the end of a illustrious career where he was celebrated for his contributions to cycling, his achievements in major tours, and his role as an ambassador for the sport in the United States. His retirement allowed him to transition to new opportunities within the cycling world and beyond.

Tejay van Garderen transitioned to a new role as a director for EF Education-Nippo, a ProTour cycling team, in October 2021. Moving from professional cyclist to a director position allowed van Garderen to leverage his experience and insights to guide and develop new talent in the sport. This role represents his continued involvement and influence in the cycling community.