The Discovery Channel Team will feature a top-notch squad of eight riders to compete in the Tour of California, which starts on Sunday, February 19. Led by Tour de Georgia winner Tom Danielson and Tour de France stage winner George Hincapie, the team also includes two-time Giro d'Itlia winner Paolo Savoldelli, Russian dual Olympic gold medalist Viatcheslav Ekimov, Russian time trial champion Vladimir Gusev, Slovenian 2004 U23 world time trial champion Janez Brajkovic, Tour of Austria stage winner Michael Barry and Olympian Jason McCartney. It's a powerful squad, and several of these riders are expected to race the Tour de France in July.
Tom Danielson, racing in his second season with the team, looks to be one of the favourites for this race, along with teammate George Hincapie. "I had a great camp in Solvang last month and followed that up with 10 days of solid training in Santa Cruz with my teammate Michael Barry," said Danielson. "I am feeling good and am very motivated to have a great performance. I don't get to race in the US very often and I think it's important to put on a good show in the first Tour of California - in front of the home crowd."
