After the conclusion of Stage 4 on Tuesday morning, Van Garderen continued in 3rd place, now 25 seconds off new race leader Tony Martin of Germany. Van Garderen still remains the top rider for BMC Racing through four stages.
Stage 4 is renowned for being one of the most chaotic stages with severn different parts of the race course traversing over cobblestone. Additionally, this stage is the longest stage at 223.5km (138.8 miles).
For racing fans, Stage 4 did not disappoint as they were treated to a racing exhibition from Martin who was able to establish a huge lead late and grab the win along with the yellow jersey.
Letour.com summarized the stage:
After missing out on the yellow jersey for three days in a row, Tony Martin (Etixx-Quick Step) made it in Cambrai after breaking away solo with 3.1km to go. He was a member of a front group comprising all GC favorites at the exception of Thibaut Pinot following a spectacular stage on the cobblestones in north of France. The German scores his fifth stage victory at the Tour de France and moved into the lead for the first time with 12 seconds lead over Chris Froome who didn’t try to hold onto the yellow jersey.
With seven riders within 48 seconds of Martin, there is no margin for error for Van Garderen. Here in these early stages of the Tour he needs to stay close for a chance at the end of the prestigious 21-stage event. After strong races in the first four stages, the Rocky Mountain High School grad is well on his way to being in the mix.
At 26-years-old, Van Garderen has a chance to play spoiler against some other established riders such as Alberto Contador who sits in eighth place, 48 seconds back. One of just three Americans in the field this year – the lowest number in two decades – the pressure on Van Garderen will mount with the passing of each stage as the Tour continues on through July 26.
On Wednesday, Stage 5 will see the riders embark on an 189.5km trek that will travel through Somme, an area known for decisive battles during the First World War.
Sammy Mugharbil, a Mile high Sports intern and MSU-Denver student contributed to this report