team news

Tejay van Garderen of the BMC Racing Team rode in with the lead group on Tuesday's uphill finish at Paris-Nice to climb from fourth to third overall while strengthening his grip on the white jersey as Best Young Rider.

Good Help From Burghardt
Van Garderen moved up when Omega Pharma-Quick Step's Tom Boonen (previously third overall) was left behind on the climb to the finish of the 194-kilometer stage. Bradley Wiggins (Sky Procycling) retained the overall lead as Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) won the stage. Van Garderen is 11 seconds behind Wiggins and more than three minutes ahead in the Best Young Rider classification. "It was a little bit hectic the last 50 kilometers but Marcus (Burghardt) did a very good job of looking after me," van Garderen said. "He helped drop me off in a good position in the final." BMC Racing Team Assistant Director Rik Verbrugghe said the squad will need to be vigilant in Wednesday's 178 km stage. "It's going to be a hard day of ups and downs with some climbs," Verbrugghe said. "We need to be alert with Tejay that there is not a dangerous break that goes to the finish."