After a claim by Christina Watches yesterday that Chris Horner was close to an agreement was dismissed by the rider’s representative Baden Cooke, the American rider has been linked to a possible move to another team.
Spanish Pro Continental squad Caja Rural - Seguros RGA is said to be working on a proposal to bring him on board for a year, and potentially to ride both the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España.
According to Ciclo 21, the US franchise of the Vivelo bikes that the team uses have contacted Horner directly with the proposal. The company wants to increase its US sales and is reportedly prepared to foot his wage bill of approximately $750,000 per year, reasoning that the money invested should pay for itself in terms of increased advertising and sales.
If the deal comes to pass, it is one which would appear to be mutually beneficial. As the second-biggest team in Spain, Caja Rural - Seguros RGA would seem virtually certain to get a wildcard spot in the Vuelta a España. It did so in both 2012 and 2013, winning a stage in the first of those years.
Horner would thus be able defend his Vuelta a España title, a big goal for him. He would also have the high salary he has been searching for, even if it is less than he and his former agent Michael Rutherford originally argued he was worth.
From the team’s point of view, having him on board would mean that the squad would have a rider capable of fighting for the overall victory. In addition to that, his presence would likely boost its chances of being selected for the Giro d’Italia.
In order to avail of the latter, though, the signature would have to be finalised very quickly. Giro organisers RCS Sport are due to make their decision this week on the teams that will be invited.
There are a total of eight squads fighting for three spots, namely Caja Rural - Seguros RGA, MTN Qhubeka, Colombia, Bardiani CSF, IAM Cycling, United Healthcare, Wanty and Yellow Fluo-Neri.
Horner is the oldest Grand Tour winner in history and turned 42 in October.
Caja Rural - Seguros RGA earlier signed former Tour de France stage winner Luis Leon Sanchez. He will be one of the team’s leaders this season.