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A new start: The Tom Danielson diary 2005
After his ill-fated stint with Fassa Bortolo in 2004, likable American climbing specialist Tom Danielson looks to have found a more conducive home for 2005 with Lance Armstrong's Discovery Channel team. Follow his diary on Cyclingnews as he rides alongside the Boss as part of Discovery's ProTour arsenal.
Vuelta al Pais Vasco, Stage 2 - April 5: Zarautz - La Lejana-Trapagaran, 166 km
C is for chaos...
Today was quite a day.
A very nervous day in the peloton with lots of towns, small roads, and obstacles all over the place, ranging from fallen motorcycles in the middle of the road to roads the size of a hallway. Chaos was the word of the day, to say the least. The team was very strong, and in the end we had five guys in the front group, more than any team.
The race ended on a false-flat climb that led into a 500 metre wall. Positioning was hard all day and I'd probably give myself a score of a 'C' in that department. I am working my hardest, but with the team's help and Johan's endless knowledge, I can see the improvements. However, the smaller the roads, the bigger the improvements need to be. Needless to say I botched the last 500 metres by being in the wrong spot, and then trying to correct it by shooting up the right side and t-boning a guy.
He wasn't happy, and I lost about 20 spots fumbling on the 20 percent grade. I quickly apologized and rode the rest of the climb. Not a great day, but not too bad a day. Great training and even more important, great experience. Paolo was doing his best to help me learn, but 'il falco' has moves way over my head. Nevertheless it is fun holding his wheel as long as I can, dicing in the peloton.
Time for bed, but check in tomorrow for the stage report.
Tom