American Tom Danielson has just taken another big step toward the cycling's top ranks. Danielson
confirmed with Cyclingnews his next move: two years in Europe with the Italian Fassa Bortolo team of
Giancarlo Ferretti. Danielson is currently in Italy sealing the deal with his new team.
Danielson made his pro debut with the Mercury team, making headlines with his record-setting ride at
the Mount Washington Hill Climb in 2002. In Danielson's mind, his first breakthrough success was
overall victory and two stage wins at the 2002 Tour of Qinghai Lake. He was also US collegiate
mountain bike champion in 2001 and 2002.
Looking for a team that would help him progress toward a career in Europe, but help him develop at a
sensible pace, Danielson joined Saturn for 2003. He promptly took out a major victory at the Tour de
Langkawi, where he showed not only his impressive climbing skills, but also a cool head in the midst
of difficult racing and constant attacks.
Danielson will join the likes of Dario Frigo, Aitor Gonzalez, and Alessandro Petacchi at Fassa
Bortolo, a sign that he is ready to make his mark in the European peloton.
See Cyclingnews' November 2002 interview with Tom, as well as his CN diary.