American in pink

Christian Vande Velde,
originally uploaded by Frank Steele.

Slipstream-Chipotle's Christian Vande Velde is the first man in the 91st Giro d'Italia's leader jersey, as the Argyle Army took the opening team time trial of the Giro from Palermo to Mondello.

It's the first-ever appearance in a grand tour for the Burrito Boys, who edged out perennial time trial power CSC by almost 6 seconds, with High Road another second back. Slipstream rode with 3 TT national champions: Dave Zabriskie, David Millar, and Ryder Hesjedal

Vande Velde is the first American in the maglia rosa since Andy Hampsten in 1988.

Also:

VeloNews | Giro TTT: Slipstream's American Vande Velde in the lead

cyclingnews.com | Slipstream shows speed in Sicily