Tom Danielson was beaten into second by a superior Tejay van Garderen in yesterday's mountain time trial of the USA Pro Challenge. The American was full of admiration of his rival and admits that the BMC leader is the strongest rider in the race.

Tom Danielson produced a splendid performance in yesterday's mountain time trial of the USA Pro Challenge to smash the best time when he crossed the line as the fourth best rider. However, the Garmin-Sharp rider was not even close to stage winner Tejay van Garderen who was in a class of his own in the uphill test.

Danielson finished second to move into a similar position in the overall standings but conceded no less than 52 seconds to the BMC leader. Having been beaten by such a big margin, he had nothing but praise for his rival.

“I’ll be honest. I was definitely a little bit insecure. I haven’t done a good TT this year,” he said. “I gotta think back to my last time trial in Tour of Suisse or whatever … it was nice to get that monkey off my back. Once I got out there I felt really strong … and the crowd was incredible. Colorado crowds are second to none.

“Superman over here just came flying through. He’s the best guy in the race. To be second to him is a big honor. I’m very, very happy with my performance today.

“I’m not really chasing him. The dream is that I’m chasing him. On this course he’s the best guy. I can’t see anyone in the world beating him here. Looking at his face [Friday], we’re shivering and hypothermic. And I looked over at him and he’s just having a good time.”