One of the five Americans in this year's Tour is
Alex Howes of Colorado on the Cannondale team. He seems to be struggling a bit during the first week as he lost six minutes during today's flat stage and he is currently placed 190 (out of 198 riders). He may have tired himself out by joining the breakaway on day 1. But he might be conserving energy and waiting for stages that cover terrain that suits him better than these early flat stages. I think he's a rider who likes hilly but not mountainous terrain.
Howes finished 2nd in the U.S. Professional Road Race Championship that was held in Winston on Memorial Day weekend. Here are some of my photos of him from the Winston race (bright green jersey, white shoes).