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Tom Danielson had a stellar first half of 2003, winning the Tour de Langkawi and dominating US domestic races along with Saturn team-mates Nathan O'Neill and Chris Horner. Although he managed to defend his Mt Washington hill-climb title the second half of his season was limited by injury, and with the ending of the Saturn team Tom has high hopes for a Europe-based 2004 with Fassa Bortolo.
Dealing with disappointment
June 8, 2003
Well, it has been a while since my last update and I apologize for that. It seems this pro thing is a bit more than just pedaling a bike! Wow, so much has happened in the past months it is incredible.
The first thing I would like to touch on is the disappointment I had at the Peace Race in May. A race that suited me coupled with good form intensified this disappointment as I had to abandon after two stages with a stomach virus. With mountain stages in 4 of the 9 stages, I was very motivated for this race. Also, with its location in Europe - a place I will be heading soon - it is easy to see why this was a target for me. But these things all happen for a reason, and dealing with this hiccup has made me a better racer. Bike racing is tough, but dealing with success as well as disappointment is just as a critical skill as being able to go fast!
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Not only abandoning a key race was tough on me, but the five days of travel home while being sick was even tougher! But surprisingly, as green to this as I am, I dealt with it! When I got back home to Durango, I had been all across Europe with a family of unfriendly creatures living inside of me; I was close to cracking. But something inside of me drove me to get back on my feet, adjust my goals, and start working towards them. I decided to head out to the TT nationals even though I was still under the weather. I did not expect to feel good after finishing a 30 mile ride the other day left my legs feeling as if I just ran a marathon. I did it, finished second with a slight crash, and showed myself that I may have been down, but not beaten!
Two days later I raced in my local hometown race, the Iron Horse Classic, and won, breaking the seven year-old record. That was quite an experience as Phil Z along with friends Wilk, Guptil, Mapel, and Wherry helped me in my effort to battle the winds and the mountains. They were fantastic to say the least! To achieve this accomplishment in front of an enthusiastic hometown crowd (the largest in the race's lengthy history) will remain in me throughout my career.
On one last note, I would like to mention that I donated the $2000 I earned for breaking the record to the Fort Lewis College Cycling Foundation (basically, a foundation account for cycling scholarships). To add to this donation, the town of Durango and Ed Zink matched it. Now, Fort Lewis College has a scholarship program to enable more athletes to participate in its excellent cycling program as well as get an education at the same time…(a good idea kids!)
After Iron Horse, I enjoyed a nice week at home with my girlfriend, Kristin [Johnson]. It was so nice waking up every morning to Durango sunshine and then spending the day behind my Italjet scooter-pacing. Then I would come home and spend the evenings with KJ. Just what I needed! By the way, KJ has been on a tear recently with a top 10 finish on stage 2 at Gila, two top 20s at the TT and road nationals, and a sweet second at Iron Horse. Great job babe!
Now I find myself hours before the Wachovia USPRO Championships in Philly. I have never done this race, so what lies ahead is uncharted territory for me. What I want to do, however, is another question. This race obviously does not favor a climber, but more of an all-rounder. Therefore, I would be less likely to do well here, so all the more motivation to do it. Definitely I am pressure-free, so lets see what happens!
Well, thanks for reading my entry and I will keep y'all updated as the season rolls through June!
TD
