Horner still san contract

iainf72

http://www.velonews.com/race/int/articles/13231.0.html

That'll learn him for mouthing off about Discovery :P

On a serious note, surprised because he's a solid worker. But then do you need him if you've got Popo?

redbicycle

So...what's the Disco connection? Maybe I missed something there. Horner always speaks his mind - used to annoy me but I have to admit, he's a strong tactician - always reads a race well. I've always said, if Horner had Hincapie's talent and Hincapie had Horner's head that'd make for quite a rider! He'll sign with someone - just won't get the $$ he deserves - he's a strong worker and can make his own race from time to time...

andyp

I think they'd be daft to let go of him if they are serious about supporting Evans in the Tour. Having a limited number of mountains domestiques, and by my reckoning you can only really count Horner and Dario Cioni although you might be able to make a case for Mario Aerts, has been their downfall before so adding Popovych makes sense but not if it means losing Horner.

These top level guys are worth a bit extra too as they can win other races for you during the year.

LangerDan

I think that for any potential teams, the risk with Chris is that he seems to be having an Indian Summer with his career. He'll be 36 next month and there is no guarantee that he can continue to perform at his current level. He's had three fairly good seasons but has only a couple of wins since 2005 - most of his winning was in the States. My guess is that he's looking for a two year contract on fixed money, teams probably want to offer him one year results based. Stating publicly that you are looking everywhere you can for a team for next year doesn't help contract negotiations with your employer.

There will be a lot of hungry, quicker, cheaper, younger riders on the market this year.

Monty Dog

He started late as a Pro-Tour rider and hasn't exactly been successful. He may have won lots of races in the US, but he's a little fish in a big pond. Cos he's an English-speaker, he proably gets more than his fair share of media coverage in comparison to many other, equally worthy domestiques. As for Hincapie's talent??? - For what - snatching defeat from the jaws of victory? IMO another over-exposed domestique.

drenkrom

I agree letting him go just because Popo is coming over is not the best move. But who says Predictor have finished signing new riders? There are guys out there without a contract next year who would probably be more sound investments.

ricadus

Deals get done at the World's, but perhaps it's more of a buyer's market for the DSs this year, as a number of teams are disappearing soon and so there are more riders (and younger ones at that) scrabbling for a contract.