 Burghardt turned professional in 2005, and won the UCI ProTour race Gent–Wevelgem in 2007, ahead of teammate Roger Hammond.He has also performed well in some races such as the Dwars door Vlaanderen and some stages of the Vuelta a España.He was successful in winning Stage 18 of the 2008 Tour de France into Saint Etienne, beating break-away compatriot Carlos Barredo.