US National Champion Greg Daniel has signed for Trek-Segafredo on a two-year contract, the WorldTour team has announced. The 21 year-old currently rides for Axeon Hagens Berman, having first joined Axel Merckx’s development programme in 2013 with Bontrager where he rode alongside Trek-Segafredo’s Jasper Stuyven.
“I have been dreaming of an opportunity to race on a World Tour team, so this is a huge honour to join Trek-Segafredo,” said Daniel. “It’s a big step going from a development team to the World Tour, but I think I’ve prepared well, and I also have a great group of people behind me to support me, especially my family and the Denver cycling community.
“I am excited to be back with Trek; I know a few of the people from the Bontrager days like Matt Shriver (Trek-Segafredo technical director) and Jasper Stuyven. Returning to Trek is really nice, and I couldn’t be happier.
“For me, the big thing is to continue to develop and to learn to ride like ‘the best Greg Daniel can ride.’ There are lots of leaders, and I’d like to support them and learn from them. Jasper is an example for me – he has come from Axel’s program, too, and has proven himself.”
It has been a very successful season for Daniel who won the US national road race championship in May and followed this up with the final stage and overall victory – in addition to the points and best young rider classifications – at the Tour de Beauce.
Daniel is in his last year in the under-23 ranks and knowing it was his final year with Merckx’s U23 team, Daniel always hoped to make the big step to World Tour, and his successes in 2016 helped seal the deal with Trek-Segafredo.
“I started when I was 13, went to Europe with the US National team when I was 16 and started with Bontrager when I was 18,” said Daniel. “It’s been amazing to work with Axel for all four years; I will be forever grateful to him for what he has taught me.”
“I am known as a breakaway rider that does well in climbing, and I am pretty good in the TT, too. But really, I think I am still developing my strengths. Right now I am just trying to pursue my dream. I love week long stage races, and one day I hope I can compete and be competitive in the Tour de France – that would be the dream come true.”
General Manager Luca Guercilena: “Greg Daniel is a rider who has shown incredible progression, and we are thrilled to have him join Trek-Segafredo. He’s aggressive and smart and not afraid to take his chances in races. He is only 21 years of age and has a lot of room for growth. We believe he will fit in well with our program and be an exciting prospect for the team’s future.”
