STAGE 5
7:22 p.m. Saturday 23 April 2005
Well the stage is over and young Discovery rider Tom Danielson has been "discovered" by the entire cycling world. In the press conference Lance said that this stage unfolded just as team director Yohan had planned. Tom said in reference to the last climb of the day, "The beginning of the hill didn't really seem that steep." At this statement Lance laughed and acted as if he were going to leave the room. He then asked if they were on the same hill. This banter between the two riders elicited a round of laughter from the entire room.
Lance seemed to have a cough and said he had been suffering from a stomach virus but was feeling better today. His goal today was to ride in support of Danielson. Tom said he had to hang tough on the final climb after Lance had worked so hard for him out on the course today. Lance pulled the entire lead group up Hogpen Gap and gave Tom the rest he needed to break hard at the end. What a surprising day of racing.
Ya'll can expect to see great things from Tom in the future as he seems to have a great relationship with his team leader. Lance said that tom will be riding in the Giro this year but will probably not be on the Le Tour squad. He believes that with a little more experience that Tom will become a force to be reckoned with.
TOM DANIELSON TAKES FIRST AND LEVI LEIPHIMER FINISHES SECOND
AFTER STAYING BACK TO CONTROL FLOYD LANCE MAKES SURE THAT
FLOYD IS FAR ENOUGH BACK TO LOSE THE LEADERS JERSEY
FLOYD FINISHES FOURTH AND BOBBY JULICH IS NOT FAR BEHIND
THIS YEARS TEAMS LAST YEARS TOUR
