Team Garmin-Slipstream earlier today announced its to many Americans much-anticipated 2009 Tour de France roster. The riders that will represent the American team in tackling the world’s toughest sporting event are:

• Julian Dean
• Tyler Farrar
• Ryder Hesjedal
• Dan Martin
• David Millar
• Danny Pate
• Christian Vande Velde
• Bradley Wiggins
• David Zabriskie

“We are bringing a diverse and versatile squad to the 2009 Tour de France,” commented Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports, LLC and Director Sportif, Team Garmin-Slipstream.  “We had an incredible first Tour as a team last year and this year we hope for GC contention, possible stage wins and even the yellow jersey at some point.”

The squad features four Americans, including Christian Vande Velde who was fourth in last year’s Tour and is returning from a crash in May that left him with five broken vertebrae and multiple other fractures. Also on the list are current Irish national champion Dan Martin, Ryder Hesjedal of Canada, Julian Dean of New Zealand, and the UK’s David Millar and Bradley Wiggins. Dutchman Martijn Maaskant is the first reserve.

"As the title sponsor, we couldn't be more excited about the roster of champions that we're sending to the Tour to represent Garmin," said Jon Cassat, Garmin's vice president of communications. "With our Edge 705 on their handlebars guiding their way, we all look forward to cheering Garmin-Slipstream as they push the pace of the peloton."