Team Garmin-Slipstream’s sprinter Tyler Farrar continued to show strong form and presence in a tricky sprint finish on the third stage of the Giro d’Italia, nearly taking out the stage win just behind Alessandro Petacchi. But his second place on the stage moved him up to second place overall and earned him the white jersey for best young rider!
What’s more is that Farrar broke his rear derailleur cable in the massive pile-up with 10km to go in the stage — meaning that he had to get back up to speed and then battle for wheels entirely in his 12!
Unfortunately, a crash earlier in the stage put team captain Christian Vande Velde on the ground. He was taken to the hospital along with the team’s medical staff where he was diagnosed with two broken ribs and a severe contusion and sprain to his mid-back. He will return to Girona as soon as possible for further examination and rehabilitation.

Check back with slipstreamsports.com for more updates and a full report from stage 3!
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Sad to hear about Christian. Get well soon. We need you back out there.
Get well CVV!
Oh nooo, that’s terrible about Christian! I hope that he can get fully well in time for the Tour!
Speedy recovery Christian!
Congratulations to Tyler for the excellent sprint (despite the problem with the derailleur) and for earning the white jersey!
Nice finish Tyler.
Hope you heal quickly Christian.
Great stage by Tyler. What a pity for CVV! Get well asap!!!
Awesome job guys! Congrats Tyler!
Wishing for a speedy recovery for Christian.
Get well soon VDV. Hope those broken ribs don’t keep you from training for le’ tour.
Great job Tyler! I’m so happy for you and the team for this phenomenal finish.
Get well soon CVV.
So sorry C.J. Lets hope you can recover in time for the tour. Take care and the crew from St Louis Mo. wishes you the best.
Looking forward to seeing Tyler in Cyclamen tomorrow. Thinking healing thoughts for Christian. I admire him for trying to carry on before retiring. He’s one tough dude!
SUPERB RIDE TYLER ! Just got crowded out & lost Pettacchi`s wheel at the vital moment ..Great support Team..Only Wishing Christian has a Very Quick recovery ! Thaughts and prayers from Lincolnshire England !
Anthony C Proud in Argyle !
Please get well soon Christian. My students are devastated.
best wishes to VDV from everyone at Chaos Cycling Club!
What an exciting finish to the race and phenomenal riding by Tyler!
NICE TYLER! Just read that you had to bridge up to the field after the crash in your big ring/12…wow! Sweet sprint but sorry to hear about Christian. Pretty exciting I am sure!
Get well soon CVV. We’re all sad you’re out of the Giro but hopefullly you’ll heal up ok and be back on the bike soon!
Good finish Tyler and Go Tommy D tomorrow up that climb at the finish!
Christian, I had hoped to cheer you on during the 15 stage and in Rome while I was there – it will not be the same for me without you there, but I will cheer for your teammates now! Heal up, Bill (met at Get a Grip)
Way to go Tyler! CVV you are in our prayers… Tommy D this is your moment… Show them what you are made of!
Great job Tyler!
Christian get well soon!!
CVV, best wishes for a speedy recovery. Hope to see you on the Champs in July.
Get well and a speedy recovery Christian! We are all rooting for you!!
Awesome ride Tyler, keep plugging away and yours will be the first wheel across the line soon.
Tough break (literally!) for Christian. Hope he is back and on form in time for the Tour.
With no GC contender now, let’s look for Argyle stage wins from here on in.
That sucks about Christian, ruined my whole day!!! Hope your back for the tour.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Christian!!!!! Hope to see you in the Tour!
Congratulations Tyler, amazing ride!
Best wishes on a speedy recovery, Christian.