Christian Vande Velde, Giro d'Italia team time trial DenverPost.com features Christian Vande Velde as the team’s emotional leader and unofficial captain as it faces its first Grand Tour, the Giro d’Italia.

“He’s the team’s eyes and ears. He knows when a rider is hurting. He knows when a rider isn’t hurt but is acting like it. ‘I feel I’ve been up. I’ve been down. I’ve been sideways,’ Vande Velde said. ‘I wouldn’t say I’m the most gifted by any means, but I’m quite well-rounded in the best way.’ “