Chris Horner gone from Lampre-Merida for 2015

[Keith A]

Just saw this on CyclingNews and thought I'd share...
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/sponsor-pressure-ends-horners-time-at-lampre-merida

[saab2000]

Definitely a bummer. I hope he finds another team. I'd like to see him have another chance at some good rides. Time is not on his side, especially in Europe where they love youth and he's old enough to be the father of many of the new riders.

Talent alone doesn't do much. I hope he gets at least one more year on a quality team.

[malbecman]

I'll 2nd that opinion....I'd love to see him keep riding and find him very inspirational (speaking as a rider in his mid-upper 40s).

[kramnnim]

Stupid Lampre shouldn't have signed Horner in the first place, bet they'd be renewing Craig Lewis' contract had they signed him like they planned.

( http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/craig-lewis-retires-after-lampre-deal-falls-through )

[El Chaba]

There is a narrative that they try to push that the doping was a problem with the *old* generation of riders....The *new* generation is CLEAN... Regardless of results, riders from Horner's generation just don't fit....add to that the fact that the recession continues on in pro cycling...fewer positions all the time, and for quality riders.

[CunegoFan]

There is a narrative that they try to push that the doping was a problem with the *old* generation of riders....The *new* generation is CLEAN... Regardless of results, riders from Horner's generation just don't fit....add to that the fact that the recession continues on in pro cycling...fewer positions all the time, and for quality riders.

I don't think doping has anything to do with it. Horner is old. He is brittle. He has has no sponsor to insist that he be included in Lampre-Merida's roster; heck, Merida does not even sell in the U.S. He is coming off a bad season. It does not help that no team needs points to ensure it gets a WT license.

If he was 31 then he would not have a problem.

[false_Aest]

This "news" implies that Horner was doing something for Lampre (or cycling in general) last year.

[krhea]

I don't think doping has anything to do with it. Horner is old. He is brittle. Has has no sponsor to insist that he be included in Lampre-Merida's roster; heck, Merida does not even sell in the U.S. He is coming off a bad season. It does not helpt that no team needs points to ensure it gets a WT license.

If he was 31 then he would not have a problem.

+1

I like Chris but you hit the nail on the head.

[weisan]

Horner is old. He is brittle...

What did you say?
http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/screencrush.com/files/2012/04/ex-2-posters.jpg

[cash05458]

my feeling is that it is time for Chris to fade...let the young blood, the clean blood move in...the guy, as much as I dig him, was so tainted...he needs to go and he should feel lucky he had what he did and got away with it...

[jimoots]

my feeling is that it is time for Chris to fade...let the young blood, the clean blood move in...the guy, as much as I dig him, was so tainted...he needs to go and he should feel lucky he had what he did and got away with it...

Yep, ding.

[enr1co]

In the meantime, you can see him at the Solvang Prelude this Saturday NOV 8


http://www.bikescor.com/solvang_prelude_registration.html

[ultraman6970]

You guys forgot to mention that alonso's team went PUFF AGAIN!

Doubt anybody might want to work with him again, besides after what happened with the chilean pro team like a year ago, don't see like a lot of people working at least in spain for another pro team.

[shovelhd]

Time to race Masters.

[Keith A]

Looks like he'll be riding on a domestic team next year...
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/horner-signs-one-year-deal-with-us-team

[bobswire]

Time to race Masters.

Why? He fought thru terrible injuries and health issues yet he still scored higher UCI rating than those below him. Source UCI
http://www.uci.ch/road/ranking/

140 136 HORNER Christopher USA19711023 LAMPRE-MERIDA (LAM) 10
141 138 BENNATI Daniele ITA19800924 TINKOFF-SAXO (TCS) 10
142 137 DENNIS Rohan AUS19900528 BMC RACING TEAM (BMC) 10
143 140 ZAUGG Oliver SUI19810509 TINKOFF-SAXO (TCS) 9
144 141 VIVIANI Elia ITA19890207 CANNONDALE (CAN) 9
145 142 HUSHOVD Thor NOR19780118 BMC RACING TEAM (BMC) 8
146 143 ROELANDTS Jurgen BEL19850702 LOTTO BELISOL (LTB) 8
147 147 BAKELANTS Jan BEL19860214 OMEGA PHARMA - QUICK-STEP CYCLING TEAM (OPQ) 8
148 145 CATALDO Dario ITA19850317 TEAM SKY (SKY) 8
149 146 MALACARNE Davide ITA19870711 TEAM EUROPCAR (EUC) 8
150 150 DUMOULIN Samuel FRA19800820 AG2R LA MONDIALE (ALM) 8
151 144 KIRYIENKA Vasil BLR19810628 TEAM SKY (SKY) 8
152 148 LUTSENKO Alexey KAZ19920907 ASTANA PRO TEAM (AST) 8
153 149 GUARNIERI Jacopo ITA19870814 ASTANA PRO TEAM (AST) 8
154 151 DILLIER Silvan SUI19900803 BMC RACING TEAM (BMC) 6
155 152 SILIN Egor RUS19880625 TEAM KATUSHA (KAT) 6
156 156 MARTENS Paul GER19831026 BELKIN-PRO CYCLING TEAM (BEL) 6
157 153 GADRET John FRA19790422 MOVISTAR TEAM (MOV) 6
158 201 JANSE VAN RENSBURG Reinardt RSA19890203 TEAM GIANT-SHIMANO (GIA) 6
159 161 JUNGELS Bob LUX19920922 TREK FACTORY RACING (TFR) 6
160 154 CLEMENT Stef NED19820924 BELKIN-PRO CYCLING TEAM (BEL) 6
161 163 VANGENECHTEN Jonas BEL19860916 LOTTO BELISOL (LTB) 6
162 162 MEYER Cameron AUS19880111 ORICA GREENEDGE (OGE) 6
163 164 VAN KEIRSBULCK Guillaume BEL19910214 OMEGA PHARMA - QUICK-STEP CYCLING TEAM (OPQ) 6
164 157 VANDEWALLE Kristof BEL19850405 TREK FACTORY RACING (TFR) 6
165 158 STUYVEN Jasper BEL19920417 TREK FACTORY RACING (TFR) 6
166 159 ARNDT Nikias GER19911118 TEAM GIANT-SHIMANO (GIA) 6
167 160 GUARDINI Andrea ITA19890612 ASTANA PRO TEAM (AST) 6
168 165 BOS Theo NED19830822 BELKIN-PRO CYCLING TEAM (BEL) 6
169 166 MARCATO Marco ITA19840211 CANNONDALE (CAN) 5
170 167 CAPECCHI Eros ITA19860613 MOVISTAR TEAM (MOV) 5
171 169 BURGHARDT Marcus GER19830630 BMC RACING TEAM (BMC) 5
172 219 HENDERSON Greg NZL19760910 LOTTO BELISOL (LTB) 5
173 168 HUREL Tony FRA19871101 TEAM EUROPCAR (EUC) 5
174 - CHEREL Mikael FRA19860317 AG2R LA MONDIALE (ALM) 4
175 176 SERPA PEREZ Jose Rodolfo COL19790417 LAMPRE-MERIDA (LAM) 4
176 171 KANGERT Tanel EST19870311 ASTANA PRO TEAM (AST) 4
177 177 POZZATO Filippo ITA19810910 LAMPRE-MERIDA (LAM) 4
178 178 GENE Yohann FRA19810625 TEAM EUROPCAR (EUC) 4
179 175 MARTINEZ Yannick FRA19880504 TEAM EUROPCAR (EUC) 4
180 172 REZA Kévin FRA19880518 TEAM EUROPCAR (EUC) 4
181 174 ERVITI Imanol ESP19831115 MOVISTAR TEAM (MOV) 4
182 183 HOWARD Leigh AUS19891018 ORICA GREENEDGE (OGE) 4
183 173 MCCARTHY Jay AUS19920908 TINKOFF-SAXO (TCS) 4
184 - EWAN Caleb AUS19940711 ORICA GREENEDGE (OGE) 4
185 179 TULIK Angelo FRA19901202 TEAM EUROPCAR (EUC) 4
186 181 VEELERS Tom NED19840914 TEAM GIANT-SHIMANO (GIA) 4
187 182 GOSS Matthew Harley AUS19861105 ORICA GREENEDGE (OGE) 4
188 180 BOECKMANS Kris BEL19870213 LOTTO BELISOL (LTB) 4
189 184 PETACCHI Alessandro ITA19740103 OMEGA PHARMA - QUICK-STEP CYCLING TEAM (OPQ) 4
190 190 APPOLLONIO Davide ITA19890602 AG2R LA MONDIALE (ALM) 3
191 185 GAVAZZI Francesco ITA19840801 ASTANA PRO TEAM (AST) 3
192 187 BRAMBILLA Gianluca ITA19870822 OMEGA PHARMA - QUICK-STEP CYCLING TEAM (OPQ) 3
193 189 ROCHE Nicolas IRL19840703 TINKOFF-SAXO (TCS) 3
194 186 LIGTHART Pim NED19880616 LOTTO BELISOL (LTB) 3
195 188 MONTAGUTI Matteo ITA19840106 AG2R LA MONDIALE (ALM) 3
196 - MAES Nikolas BEL19860409 OMEGA PHARMA - QUICK-STEP CYCLING TEAM (OPQ) 3
197 191 ARASHIRO Yukiya JPN19840922 TEAM EUROPCAR (EUC) 2
198 192 KREDER Raymond NED19891126 GARMIN SHARP (GRS) 2
199 195 KOLOBNEV Alexandr RUS19810504 TEAM KATUSHA (KAT) 2
200 198 SERRY Pieter BEL19881121 OMEGA PHARMA - QUICK-STEP CYCLING TEAM (OPQ) 2
201 200 MORI Manuele ITA19800809 LAMPRE-MERIDA (LAM) 2
202 - BOASSON HAGEN Edvald NOR19870517 TEAM SKY (SKY) 2
203 199 BRUTT Pavel RUS19820129 TEAM KATUSHA (KAT) 2
204 196 CLARKE Simon AUS19860718 ORICA GREENEDGE (OGE) 2
205 193 CARDOSO Andre Fernando S. Martins POR19840903 GARMIN SHARP (GRS) 2
206 209 KING Benjamin USA19890322 GARMIN SHARP (GRS) 2
207 194 POLANC Jan SLO19920506 LAMPRE-MERIDA (LAM) 2
208 203 QUINZIATO Manuel ITA19791030 BMC RACING TEAM (BMC) 2
209 197 WARBASSE Lawrence USA19900628 BMC RACING TEAM (BMC) 2
210 202 VON HOFF Steele AUS19871231 GARMIN SHARP (GRS) 2
211 204 MORENO BAZAN Javier ESP19840718 MOVISTAR TEAM (MOV) 2
212 205 DEBUSSCHERE Jens BEL19890828 LOTTO BELISOL (LTB) 2
213 207 DE GENDT Thomas BEL19861106 OMEGA PHARMA - QUICK-STEP CYCLING TEAM (OPQ) 2
214 206 CUMMINGS Stephen GBR19810319 BMC RACING TEAM (BMC) 2
215 208 VALLEE Boris BEL19930603 LOTTO BELISOL (LTB) 2
216 210 RATTO Daniele ITA19891005 CANNONDALE (CAN) 2
217 212 FENN Andrew GBR19900701 OMEGA PHARMA - QUICK-STEP CYCLING TEAM (OPQ) 2
218 211 HENAO MONTOYA Sergio Luis COL19871210 TEAM SKY (SKY) 2
219 218 IZAGUIRRE INSAUSTI Gorka ESP19871007 MOVISTAR TEAM (MOV) 1
220 215 BOOKWALTER Brent USA19840216 BMC RACING TEAM (BMC) 1
221 223 ROUX Anthony FRA19870418 FDJ.FR (FDJ) 1
222 224 BOUET Maxime FRA19861103 AG2R LA MONDIALE (ALM) 1
223 214 NORDHAUG Lars Petter NOR19840514 BELKIN-PRO CYCLING TEAM (BEL) 1
224 216 BRESCHEL Matti DEN19840831 TINKOFF-SAXO (TCS) 1
225 228 VAN POPPEL Boy NED19880118 TREK FACTORY RACING (TFR) 1
226 213 SANTAROMITA Ivan ITA19840430 ORICA GREENEDGE (OGE) 1
227 229 VERMOTE Julien BEL19890726 OMEGA PHARMA - QUICK-STEP CYCLING TEAM (OPQ) 1
228 226 KOREN Kristijan SLO19861125 CANNONDALE (CAN) 1
229 217 HALLER Marco AUT19910401 TEAM KATUSHA (KAT) 1
230 225 DE KORT Koen NED19820908 TEAM GIANT-SHIMANO (GIA) 1
231 230 VAN DER SANDE Tosh BEL19901128 LOTTO BELISOL (LTB) 1
232 231 VOIGT Jens GER19710917 TREK FACTORY RACING (TFR) 1
233 220 SINKELDAM Ramon NED19890209 TEAM GIANT-SHIMANO (GIA) 1
234 221 BOIVIN Guillaume CAN19890525 CANNONDALE (CAN) 1
235 - RICHEZE Maximiliano Ariel ARG19830307 LAMPRE-MERIDA (LAM) 1
236 222 ENGOULVENT Jimmy FRA19791207 TEAM EUROPCAR (EUC) 1

[FlashUNC]

I certainly feel for him with his injuries last year. Nearly getting killed by a truck tends to derail a season.

But he's now approaching his mid-40s. Owner of probably the sketchiest Grand Tour win we've seen in a long time (and that's just pretending the Frischkorn interview never happened). Car crash aside has shown zero ability to stay healthy for any extended stretch of his now really long career.

[bobswire]

I certainly feel for him with his injuries last year. Nearly getting killed by a truck tends to derail a season.

But he's now approaching his mid-40s. Owner of probably the sketchiest Grand Tour win we've seen in a long time (and that's just pretending the Frischkorn interview never happened). Car crash aside has shown zero ability to stay healthy for any extended stretch of his now really long career.

He'll be the judge of when he retires or can no longer cut it. I'm 69 can still out ride many half my age. As for suspicion on doping, prove it. Frischkorn was "opinion" you know like you can read everyday in newspapers. But before branding him a cheater, prove it. I'm more suspicious of Froome TDF win but until they prove otherwise he's the winner.

[FlashUNC]

He'll be the judge of when he retires or can no longer cut it. I'm 69 can still out ride many half my age. As for suspicion on doping, prove it. Frischkorn was "opinion" you know like you can read everyday in newspapers. But before branding him a cheater, prove it. I'm more suspicious of Froome TDF win but until they prove otherwise he's the winner.

I never said he should be obligated to retire. If he wants to be the cycling equivalent of Willie Mays playing for the Mets, more power to him.

Frischkorn had very specific allegations that were not "opinion." He pointed out he was introduced to blood doping by a fellow rider on the Saturn team that was still currently in the World Tour ranks. At the time of the interview last year, that was all of one guy -- Horner.

Fact remains Horner is the oldest winner of a Grand Tour ever. He did something literally the titans of the sport's history weren't able to accomplish. If he did it clean, then he should have racked up about 15 Grand Tour victories during the Dopage Era and should be the most vocal about hanging those guys from the yard arm.

Putting all that aside, he's 43. The World Tour is shrinking with fewer teams this year. Who makes more sense from a team perspective to sign, a young kid with upside who can be brought on board for cheap, or literally someone twice his age who can't stay healthy?

I hope he has fun racing domestically next year and gets whatever he's looking for. But this isn't some huge loss from the World Tour peloton.

[redir]

If they honestly think he's top ten quality at a grand tour then I'm not sure why they would let him go.

[Joachim]

If they honestly think he's top ten quality at a grand tour then I'm not sure why they would let him go.

He just needs fresh blood.

[peanutgallery]

Rider #15 has had his chance, time to move on unless he wants to become another Steve Tilford. World Tour to domestic crits at his age? I don't see the point of being the recipient of scarce resources or wasting the time riding around in a van with the John Wordin's of the world. The $ can't be more than subsistence level, hardly worth getting off of the couch

Time to gas up the dirt bikes, grab a bag of burgers and enjoy life with friends, family and kids. Much more fun

[victoryfactory]

He'll be the judge of when he retires or can no longer cut it. I'm 69 can still out ride many half my age.

You GO man!
(I'm getting up there too)

[Ti Designs]

There is a narrative that they try to push that the doping was a problem with the *old* generation of riders....The *new* generation is CLEAN...

Must be true, I read it on the internet...

[bobswire]

I never said he should be obligated to retire. If he wants to be the cycling equivalent of Willie Mays playing for the Mets, more power to him.

Frischkorn had very specific allegations that were not "opinion." He pointed out he was introduced to blood doping by a fellow rider on the Saturn team that was still currently in the World Tour ranks. At the time of the interview last year, that was all of one guy -- Horner.

Fact remains Horner is the oldest winner of a Grand Tour ever. He did something literally the titans of the sport's history weren't able to accomplish. If he did it clean, then he should have racked up about 15 Grand Tour victories during the Dopage Era and should be the most vocal about hanging those guys from the yard arm.

Putting all that aside, he's 43. The World Tour is shrinking with fewer teams this year. Who makes more sense from a team perspective to sign, a young kid with upside who can be brought on board for cheap, or literally someone twice his age who can't stay healthy?

I hope he has fun racing domestically next year and gets whatever he's looking for. But this isn't some huge loss from the World Tour peloton.

I agree (in BOLD),my point being that's his choice to make. Me, I enjoy watching him on the bike ,his upbeat attitude and his ability to pedal long steep climbs of which the Vuelta he won seemed to be tailored made for him.
http://velonews.competitor.com/2013/09/news/horner-makes-grand-tour-history-on-ideal-vuelta-course_302951

[CunegoFan]

This must be a _really_ small domestic team since all the big ones have denied an interest in Horner. The chance of him getting to race the ToC, ToU, or USAPC would seem to be remote.

Can't NBC sack Vandevelde and put Horner in his place? That has to pay more than a domestic regional "pro" team.

[brando]

Can't NBC sack Vandevelde and put Horner in his place? That has to pay more than a domestic regional "pro" team.

I thought Vandelvelde was much improved toward the end of the season. But I do enjoy hearing Horner talk and watching him ride.

[fa63]

My guess is that Horner signed with Airgas-Safeway. Not sure he will get to do any big races, but I suppose it is better than nothing.

[Hawker]

I thought Vandelvelde was much improved toward the end of the season. But I do enjoy hearing Horner talk and watching him ride.

Agree on all counts. Hope he gets a shot at commentating at some point.

[oldpotatoe]

My guess is that Horner signed with Airgas-Safeway. Not sure he will get to do any big races, but I suppose it is better than nothing.

Suspected by Velonews as well. I guess Chris knows the director in Bend. I guess he just wants to race. Can't believe he will still get his 6 figure salary so I guess it's just the love of training constantly and racing..even at the level of US racing.

[soulspinner]

suspected by velonews as well. I guess chris knows the director in bend. I guess he just wants to race. Can't believe he will still get his 6 figure salary so i guess it's just the love of training constantly and racing..even at the level of us racing.

+1

[bobswire]

Suspected by Velonews as well. I guess Chris knows the director in Bend. I guess he just wants to race. Can't believe he will still get his 6 figure salary so I guess it's just the love of training constantly and racing..even at the level of US racing.

Good for him. One need go no further than to look at this forum to see the lengths some will go to ride and race a bike while trying to balance work, family and time,spending thousands of dollars for the pleasure of getting your ass beat by other wannabes. Chris has been racing his whole life, getting paid for it, always with a smile on his face ,even on bad days. I think he's doing pretty good job,considering.

[Chris]

I wonder if he gets to keep all the team bikes after the season like he did with Webcor.

[malbecman]

Good for him. One need go no further than to look at this forum to see the lengths some will go to ride and race a bike while trying to balance work, family and time,spending thousands of dollars for the pleasure of getting your ass beat by other wannabes. Chris has been racing his whole life, getting paid for it, always with a smile on his face ,even on bad days. I think he's doing pretty good job,considering.

I totally agree, more power to him for wanting to keep going and swing it any which way he can!!!! :hello::hello::hello:

[cnighbor1]

Horner linked to U.S. Continental team Airgas-Safeway
The squad’s principal, Chris Johnson, would not comment on the roster of the team when asked by VeloNews if the team had signed Horner

[ultraman6970]

What would be interesting is if Horner actually wins races virtually all by himself :)

IMO from the pro teams probably the team that needed him the most was BMC.

[cash05458]

Doubt he will make 6 figures...more like 20 grand I bet...and then try to sell alot of ad crap to us old guys...

Have been reading Hincapies auto and he talks about the day he is leaving the sport, riding onto the champs and guys from the peloton want him to ride onto it first for the lap of honor ect...just as he is going out front, Horner sprints out and yells back "you don't deserve it..." and rides it off of him...from one doped dude to another I guess...what a confused bunch of fellows...

[Keith A]

Details have been revealed for his new team...
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/horner-signs-with-airgas-safeway

[brando]

“2015 is shaping up to be a fun year with great racing and more time at home with my family, including the new baby we have on the way in January,” Horner said. “I can’t wait to race with a group of excited young pros - their enthusiasm will make the season fun and exciting.”

Good for him.

[FlashUNC]

Let's just hope he doesn't say to this generation what Frischkorn alleges he said to him.

[pinoymamba]

awesome i hope he shows up to a couple NRC crits.

[John H.]

I doubt he is riding for 20k- Horner is all about the Benjamin's.
I would say that he is likely getting paid a large percentage of their total budget.

Doubt he will make 6 figures...more like 20 grand I bet...and then try to sell alot of ad crap to us old guys...

Have been reading Hincapies auto and he talks about the day he is leaving the sport, riding onto the champs and guys from the peloton want him to ride onto it first for the lap of honor ect...just as he is going out front, Horner sprints out and yells back "you don't deserve it..." and rides it off of him...from one doped dude to another I guess...what a confused bunch of fellows...

[CunegoFan]

I doubt he is riding for 20k- Horner is all about the Benjamin's.
I would say that he is likely getting paid a large percentage of their total budget.

Horner is at the "take whatever he can get" stage of his career. He did not have a lot of options. It was either Airgas-Safeway or working in the basement of Mellow Johnny's.

[John H.]

I agree that the team is bottom of the barrel I disagree that his salary is bottom of the barrel. It is certainly not what he was making during his best years on Pro Tour teams.
In US racing he can win more or less by himself.
A poor team just means he has to unleash 100% of Chris Horner. A better team would allow him to be more surgical.

[earlfoss]

I predict that he will beat on domestic pros at the smaller stage races and they'll all complain about him the same way the did about Mancebo. While they complain on social media and in blog posts, he will be working hard and get results with a smile on his face.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[gavingould]

he'll do fine in hillier races.

as far as fairly-flat crits, which make up the majority of US racing, UnitedHealthCare isn't likely to be bothered by his presence.

[John H.]

Horner is not a sprinter but he can win crits with tactics.
However, he is more concerned with making money.
He would more likely do a deal with a sprinter or another team to help insure that they win-

he'll do fine in hillier races.

as far as fairly-flat crits, which make up the majority of US racing, UnitedHealthCare isn't likely to be bothered by his presence.

[FlashUNC]

Horner is not a sprinter but he can win crits with tactics.
However, he is more concerned with making money.
He would more likely do a deal with a sprinter or another team to help insure that they win-

A former Grand Tour winner doing deals to win or ensure a win in the parking lot crit is about the saddest thing I've heard today.

[nooneline]

Horner is not a sprinter but he can win crits with tactics.

That's not how American crits work.

[CunegoFan]

A former Grand Tour winner doing deals to win or ensure a win in the parking lot crit is about the saddest thing I've heard today.

Since Horner has hopes of getting back to a WT team, he'll target the ToC, ToU, and USAPC. If his team gets an invite to Utah then I would bet money on him winning it.

[redir]

A former Grand Tour winner doing deals to win or ensure a win in the parking lot crit is about the saddest thing I've heard today.

I agree and as I stated in an earlier post I just don't get it. If they honestly believe he's still a top ten contender in big grand tours and that he's actually in the top 10% of the entire pro pelaton then why would anyone not want him on their team. I am struggling to make any sense out of it. Sounds like bad business to me.

[nooneline]

I agree and as I stated in an earlier post I just don't get it. If they honestly believe he's still a top ten contender in big grand tours and that he's actually in the top 10% of the entire pro pelaton then why would anyone not want him on their team. I am struggling to make any sense out of it. Sounds like bad business to me.

Because he's expensive and it's not a sure thing that he'll get results. He's recovering from a major injury. And, if he does overcome that and get results, it's a one-off. He's old. He's not going to stick with the team for several years and further develop.

Basically, signing him is a gamble that doesn't have a huge reward, and it really seems like something only a team desperate to be noticed might do.

[Waldo]

I don't think it's much of a gamble. Horner is likely to at least podium in smaller stage races, bringing needed publicity -- and possible future sponsorship money -- to a small team. I see it as a shrewd short-term move.

[John H.]

Is it more sad than trying to win Grasshopper races?

A former Grand Tour winner doing deals to win or ensure a win in the parking lot crit is about the saddest thing I've heard today.

[FlashUNC]

Is it more sad than trying to win Grasshopper races?

Levi's stunt was particularly pathetic.

[brando]

Is it more sad than trying to win Grasshopper races?

What's sad about a fun ride around Sonoma County?

[zerocool5468]

the chance to ride with a grand tour winner is now a possibility for a lot of domestic riders. yippie.....not

[John H.]

Thing is Airgas will also need $ to sponsor any of those races if they hope to get an invite.
That is how it works, a marquis rider is not enough to get an invite. A 150k sponsorship deal with the race is more what it takes.
That is why teams like 5 hour energy conditionally get shut out.

Since Horner has hopes of getting back to a WT team, he'll target the ToC, ToU, and USAPC. If his team gets an invite to Utah then I would bet money on him winning it.

[oldpotatoe]

A former Grand Tour winner doing deals to win or ensure a win in the parking lot crit is about the saddest thing I've heard today.

He may do some appearances for smaller crits but they are trying to make a dent in the bigger stage races in the US, hence Horner. I think he's fine with the $ and what his role is. He just likes this ride/train constantly and race, me thinks. Kinda like a Baseball player who finds a home in Japan in his twilight years. The fans love it, the fans at smaller races will too.

I say good for him.

[saab2000]

He may do some appearances for smaller crits but they are trying to make a dent in the bigger stage races in the US, hence Horner. I think he's fine with the $ and what his role is. He just likes this ride/train constantly and race, me thinks. Kinda like a Baseball player who finds a home in Japan in his twilight years. The fans love it, the fans at smaller races will too.

I say good for him.

This. I don't think he has any interest in riding criteriums but he wants to take part in the handful of relevant US stage races. He will be competitive in those races.

His career has been free of big scandal AFAIK so what's the issue? I don't understand the hate. It's not like he's taking a job from anyone. He's a name rider and they create budget for him that wouldn't exist for other, no-name riders.

The biggest challenge he will face will be getting enough teammates who can finish races like the ToC or USAPC in Colorado in order to get invited. Floyd Landis faced this too. The ToC organizer wanted to invite his team but they knew that only he would still be in the race after a couple stages.

[zerocool5468]

Thing is Airgas will also need $ to sponsor any of those races if they hope to get an invite.
That is how it works, a marquis rider is not enough to get an invite. A 150k sponsorship deal with the race is more what it takes.
That is why teams like 5 hour energy conditionally get shut out.

And that's why smartstop got in, or jelly belly? incorrect estimation for domestic level teams.

[John H.]

They kicked in- don't kid yourself.

And that's why smartstop got in, or jelly belly? incorrect estimation for domestic level teams.

[John H.]

Smartstop did not get into Cali despite a great early season-

And that's why smartstop got in, or jelly belly? incorrect estimation for domestic level teams.

[saab2000]

Smartstop did not get into Cali despite a great early season-

Horner's a big name rider and a former winner. If they can hire another couple of riders capable of finishing the race they will probably get an invitation. In the absence of that it's going to be much harder.

It can't be just the Horner show, even if he's by far their best rider.

[Keith A]

A brief interview with Airgas-Safeway principle Chris Johnson regarding CH and plans for 2015...
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/horner-will-target-select-us-races-next-year

And here is an interview with CH...
http://pelotonmagazine.com/feedzone/chris-horner-interview-airgas-safeway-contract/

[zerocool5468]

i wouldn't be surprised if they did but that seems like a lot given how minimal their budgets must be.

[peanutgallery]

the $ can't be good enough to get off of the couch in order to ride around in a van with with a bunch of domestic ne'er do wells

Watching Freddy Rodriguez ride for Exergy a few years back was painful to see in person. The Exergy men's team had a white rental work van they all rode together in with a pile of cheap, microshift bikes gorilla taped on the outside wherever they would fit. Doubt there was room for a lawn chair or an awning. Didn't look like much fun. There were several teams of recently minted female "pro's" that had much more support. Additionally, in the end they were probably stiffed by Exergy for much of the pittance they were promised

If rider #15 wants to continue to race and defy Father Time, more power to him. But I think he is embarking in a hobby phase of his career as this team won't have a lot of resources, they spent it all on one rider

[John H.]

http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/partners
Smartstop and Jelly Belly as partners? Imagine that?

And that's why smartstop got in, or jelly belly? incorrect estimation for domestic level teams.

[Hawker]

I don't have too much of a problem with Horner racing domestic. I'm betting that the money is the primary reason. He has a wife and kids (a new one I think) and he's always talked about them in a caring, responsible way. It's not like he has a great education or business background to fall back on and this still lets him put bread on the table.

Hopefully, this will lead to some open doors in the industry and cycling media that will sustain him in years to come. He seems to be a fun, personable and knowledgeable guy....I'm hoping he is able to steer clear of any past indiscretions that may upset the apple cart.