Delta 7 Bikes

Riding for Garmin-Slipstream, Tom Danielson of Boulder, Colorado finished 30^th out of 173 riders in the second stage of the Vuelta a Espana.

While his teammate, Tyler Farrar, holds the hopes for the team in the sprint category, Danielson is the team’s favorite over the flats of the 191-kilometer race.

Danielson is amidst a comeback to regain the racing form he showed in 2006 when he captured a win at stage 17 of the Vuelta a Espana.

Shortly after a successful racing season in 2006, Danielson crashed in stage one of the 2007 Vuelta, breaking his shoulder and herniating his L5-S1 disk. At the same time that Danielson was struggling with intense back pain, an inexplicable stomach illness held him from reaching top form.

Danielson is finally pain-free of the shoulder injury and doctors were able to diagnose and cure the stomach complication.

Void of the injuries, he is showing some of the same promise and talent this month that had him mentioned as one of the top up-and-coming American riders in 2006. Danielson began August with a win on stage four of the Vuelta a Burgos and is looking to build on that performance during the 2009 Vuelta.

To keep track of Tom during the Vuelta a Espana, read his first-hand account of the race on Twitter. In 140 characters or less, this is what Tom had to say about Stage 3 of the Vuelta: “I’m ok! Big crash inside 3 k to go. Hit the ground going fast but I am very lucky. My bike not so much.”  After seeing the video and story on VeloNews, you’ll agree that Tom was very lucky!

Theresa Cliff-Ryan, part of the Verducci Racing Team and Delta 7 sponsored cyclist, enjoyed back-to-back podiums earlier this month in North Carolina at the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational and Hanes Park Classic.  Theresa, a Michigan native and former 25 time world champion inline speed skater, has set her focus in recent years on becoming world-class contender in the cycling circuit with great success.

Theresa’s third place podium finish at the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational in Charlotte on August 8th came after a last minute push in front of over 20,000 fans!  The Women’s event was a 25-mile criterium held on a 1.3 mile course in downtown Charlotte and was part of the USA Cycling’s National Racing Calendar.

3rd Place Finish at Presbyterian Hospital Invitational

Just one day later on August 9 and in 100 degree heat, Theresa improved her podium placement with a second place finish at Winston Salem’s Hanes Park Classic.   Theresa earned her podium spot after a close sprint to the finish line against Laura van Gilder, the current USA Crit Series leader.  With a prize purse of over $15,000, the Hanes Park Classic has been drawing world-class, professional cyclists for over 30 years and is also part of the USA Cycling’s National Racing Calendar.

Theresa's 2nd place finish at Hanes Park Classic

Don’t miss Theresa tomorrow at the National Criterium Championships in Downer’s Grove, IL as she vies for her second title.  We could be in for another exciting finish with Brooke Miller defending her title from last year!

Check out all of Theresa Cliff-Ryan’s race results.