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Danielson to start junior series in Colorado
Discovery Channel rider Tom Danielson, winner of stage 17 at last year’sVuelta a España, is putting his name behind a 12-race junior’s seriesorganized through Colorado’s American Cycling Association. Danielson iskicking off the series with a fundraiser to be held January 17, in Boulder,Colorado, emceed by former Coors Classic race director Michael Aisner andfeaturing former 7-Eleven pros Andy Hampsten and Ron Keifel aswell as 1984 Olympic gold medalists Alexi Grewal and Connie Carpenter and the seemingly ageless mountain-bike star, Ned Overend.It’s not the first time Danielson, twice a national collegiate cross-countrychampion, has been active in raising funds for developing riders. In 2003the Durango, Colorado, resident set up the Fort Lewis College Cycling Scholarshipfund to benefit his Alma mater, where he majored in business.“I'm going to start a development foundation in my name, which willbe its own company," Danielson said. “I can see in the future really beingfully involved in working with development programs.”The new program, called the Tom Danielson Junior Cup Series, will featureraces throughout Colorado. Junior participants in five age groups for bothboys and girls can accumulate points to compete for the title of JuniorCup champion at the end of the season. The program aims to increase awarenessand participation from juniors across Colorado. Danielson plans on takingan active role in supporting the program as his racing schedule permits.“I'd like to create national scholarships for collegiate students, andfor juniors that want to go to college,” Danielson said. “I'd like to fundprograms and have the ability to just say, ‘Okay, such and such race teamlooks like a great program, and if they had another $10,000 or $20,000they could really turn into a great team and develop some great riders.I'd like to have the ability to just raise money on a consistent basis,and have people do it using my name but then be able to give it to whoeverneeds it, rather than have any firm structure where the money can onlygo into one spot.”A fundraiser for the series, titled “A Night of Cycling Greats: Pastto Present,” will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, at theBoulder Theater. There will be a silent auction featuring race memorabilia,clothing and equipment. Aisner will provide rare footage from the CoorsClassic and talk with the retired pros about their experiences racing inAmerica and Europe. Tickets are available for $12.00 on the BoulderTheater Web site.
