David Millar, TdF stage 1Holding strong and steady for a nervous uphill finish that shattered the peloton, David Millar (above) finished a solid 11th and just 1″ behind stage winner and first yellow jersey of the 2008 Tour de France, Alejandro Valverde.

Just behind David, Christian Vande Velde, Trent Lowe, Ryder Hesjedal finished in the second group and just 7″ behind the stage winner. Trent’s finish put him in fourth for the race for the white best young rider jersey. Directeur Sportif Matt White was pleased with the team’s perfect performance.

“With the lucky draw of car number one, I certainly had a great view of the action today! And I was very impressed with the team’s performance. Today’s stage was a nervous affair with gale force winds and narrow roads,” Matt said. “In the end, we avoided all crashes and have our GC and TT specialists in a very handy position with David Millar within striking distance and Christian and Trent loosing minimal time.”

“One day down. We are all glad the waiting around is over and now we can get into Tour mode!”

Team Garmin-Chipotle H30 stage 1 results
1. Alejandro Valverde 4h36′07″

11. David Millar +1″
18. Christian Vande Velde +7″
36. Trent Lowe +7″
44. Ryder Hesjedal +7″
82. Julian Dean +52″
89. Martijn Maaskant +1′01″
97. Danny Pate +1′12″
160. Will Frischkorn +2′
178. Magnus Backstedt +4′56″

Team Garmin-Chipotle H30 GC
1. Alejandro Valverde 4h36′07″

11. David Millar +1″
18. Christian Vande Velde +7″
36. Trent Lowe +7″
44. Ryder Hesjedal +7″
82. Julian Dean +52″
91. Martijn Maaskant +1′01″
99. Danny Pate +1′12″
161. Will Frischkorn +2′
178. Magnus Backstedt +4′56″

Best young rider
1. Riccardo Ricco 4h36′08″

4. Trent Lowe +6″
16. Martijn Maaskant +1′