If they have the same setup as next year, then there are a few things that might provide VandeVelde some support.
Trent Lowe was riding his first Tour, expect the guy to improve next year and be more of a presence in the mountains.
Dave Z could have definitely stuck with contenders in the climbs at least for a while. If they have him healthy, that will be a huge bonus
The question really though is Christians age. Dude's 32 so him keeping the same form year over year is going to tough. I figure the tours only going to get tough with the schleck brothers and youngin like Kohl only getting better and Astana coming back.