We caught up with Team Garmin-Sharp's Tom Danielson after his repeat championship at the Tour of Utah to hear how how this year's race went – and how the team celebrated after the big win!
How does it feel to win back-to-back championships at the Tour of Utah?
It feels amazing. It is a race that really represents my characteristics as a cyclist so when you line up for an event like that you want to prove you are the best. I also am quite proud of winning this year as we as a team put our hands up as the favorites and controlled the event from start to finish.
What makes this race special for you?
It's a special event as it is one of the biggest races in the world, in my home country, and on the toughest climbs of any race. It truly the toughest seven day race I have ever done.
Was there any particular moment during the race where you felt really confident that you’d won?
I was very confident from the start with my ability to win, however, each day was extremely demanding and required everything we had as a team. So that said, I never took anything for granted and didn't feel I had truly won until I crossed the line in Park City.
You thanked your teammates a lot on Twitter following your Stage 4 win and again when you’d won the GC, can you tell us about what a team effort this race was?
The team was incredible. They worked everyday for this victory from day one. Each stage was very complicated and required the talents of each team member to accomplish our goals. No matter what was thrown at us, my teammates arose to the challenge. Alex, Ben, Janier, Thomas, Gavin, and Phil, this victory belongs to you guys.
How do you think winning last year helped prepare you for this year? Did you find that you excelled or struggled at similar points in the race comparing year to year?
Yes, winning last year gave me the confidence I needed to prepare for this race. I fully committed everything I had the last two months to arrive in the condition, mentally and physically I needed to win here. I was much stronger this year and points where I struggled last year were much easier!
How did this win differ from your win last year?
This win was much different. Last year I came off the Tour de France and was quite an unknown. This year I had the "number 1" on my back and my team had the pressure on us to control the race from the start.
Did you feel extra pressure coming in this year being the defending champion?
Absolutely. I felt it from the media, the fans, and from my team. I didn't want to let my team down and after each day I felt more and more the desire to make sure they didn't leave without that yellow jersey.
How did the team celebrate after your Stage 4 win? How did you all celebrate after Stage 7
It was actually really special. A few days out from the finish my friends and family organized a big party for the team Sunday night. This added even more pressure, but I figured even if I dropped the ball they still deserved a big party. It ended up working out and Sunday night we had a amazing meal at a quiet location with the entire team and staff. It's the least I could do for them and hope now to have to throw parties more often in the future!!!!
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