Following wide-spread speculation and spurious rumors over the last week or so, Chris Horner finally ended his "cycling purgatory" today, after announcing, that he has found a new home for the 2015 season – with the Airgas-Safeway cycling team.
“I am very excited to be joining Airgas-Safeway for 2015,” said Horner. “I have achieved a huge amount of success in my career and I’m incredibly proud of that. For me, the next chapter isn’t just about what I can do as an individual, but what I can give back to cycling as a sport. I had a number of options for this year, and what really struck me about Airgas-Safeway was their utter commitment to giving the next generation of young riders the opportunity for success.”
“Chris Horner has done it all. This is not only a huge development for our program, but also for cycling fans in the United States,” said Airgas-Safeway team principle Chris Johnson. “To be able to give a group of young riders the chance to race with a champion like Horner is a dream come true on so many levels.”
“Racing with excited young athletes fits well with my love of the sport, and it will be a great partnership to build for the future,” said Horner. “I look forward to sharing my racing and tactical experience to help the team race for the win at Tour of California, Tour of Utah, and many other races throughout the season.”
Lampre-Merida decided not to renew Horner’s contract at the end of this season, leaving the 43-year old rider without a team for 2015.
And, while many suggest that Horner’s age and frequency of injury this season, may have led to his short-lived stint with the Italian team, and questions still abound about his ability to perform on a high level again – his outlook for the coming season is nothing but positive.
“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.”
Airgas-Safeway is one of the few American-based UCI Pro Continental cycling teams – with a squad of 16 riders from the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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