Tom Danielson

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MaillotUSA

Jersey yellow

Jersey yellow

Jersey yellow

Jersey yellow

Tom Danielson (born March 13, 1978) is a former professional road cyclist from the United States, who competed in the international arena. Danielson's career was marked by both significant achievements and controversy, particularly surrounding doping allegations.

Early Life and Career

Tom Danielson was born in East Lyme, Connecticut, and showed an early interest in cycling. Before turning professional, Danielson had a notable amateur career, which included winning the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb, setting a record that stood for several years. His early promise in cycling led him to pursue the sport at a higher level.

Professional Career

Danielson's professional career began in the early 2000s, when he joined the Mercury Cycling Team. He quickly made a name for himself as a climber and a stage race specialist. Danielson's potential was evident when he won the Tour de Langkawi and the Tour of Qinghai Lake, showcasing his ability to compete and win in multi-stage races.

In 2005, Danielson joined the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, where he was seen as a potential Grand Tour contender. His tenure with Discovery included notable performances in the Vuelta a España, where he achieved top-10 finishes, demonstrating his capabilities in one of cycling's three Grand Tours.

Danielson's career continued with Team Garmin-Sharp, where he achieved his most significant victory by winning the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in 2013. Throughout his career, Danielson was known for his climbing skills and time-trialling abilities, making him a versatile rider in stage races.

Doping Allegations and Suspension

Tom Danielson's career was not without controversy. In 2012, he was implicated in the USADA's investigation into doping in cycling, specifically related to the practices of the US Postal Service Team. Danielson admitted to using banned substances and accepted a six-month suspension from competition.

In 2015, Danielson announced that he had tested positive for a banned substance in an out-of-competition test conducted by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). He was provisionally suspended and later received a four-year ban from professional cycling, effectively ending his career.

Post-Cycling Career

Following his suspension and retirement from professional cycling, Tom Danielson has focused on coaching and promoting cycling. He has been involved in developing training programs for cyclists of all levels and advocating for clean sport within the cycling community.

Legacy

Tom Danielson's legacy in professional cycling is complex. While he achieved significant results and was once considered one of the top American cyclists, his career was overshadowed by doping allegations and suspensions. His story is reflective of a broader issue within cycling during his era, where doping scandals affected many riders and teams.