"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Disappointed that Horner...

...didn't make the team for Le Tour.

Has to be they don't think he has the form for the long haul after his injuries. It's sad, he was riding really strong until the Giro crash.

sucks

Ugh. That's a huge bummer.

He would have been good for them, methinks.

Time for VS to pick him up as a guest analyst and ditch Roll and Sherwin.

My guess is that they will regret that discision..he's the best rider on that team when it comes to reading a race...

I hate to say it, but it sucks that they have to take a Kazahk to the Tour with them.

Yes, I realize that their national federation pays the team, but Horner is better than all of them, and would be better for the success of the team.

No one will remember the 30s that the Kazakh who more or less took his spot will be on the front; they'll remember it if/when Contador takes 2nd instead of winning.

no horner and no jani... :(

I am pretty surprised to see this. I would think Lance's pull would've gotten him on the team, as he would be working for Lance in the Tour. Considering how incredible Horner was for Levi in the Giro, this can't help Lance's chances.

wow. for real?

Obviously he wasn't picked for a good reason. Injury either not fully healed, or hasn't been healed long enough for him to regain the appropriate form.

It's a shame, but i don't think it's unfair.

If he's not healed he should not race the Tour as it would just exacerbate his injuries or lead to worse/new ones.

bummer. on the up side, looks like he may race in Chicago on July 26!

I am pretty surprised to see this. I would think Lance's pull would've gotten him on the team, as he would be working for Lance in the Tour. Considering how incredible Horner was for Levi in the Giro, this can't help Lance's chances.

I think that tells you something - if Horner should have been there, he probably would have (with some pull from Armstrong if they were on the fence about it). I think the fact that he's not going shows that he just doesn't have the form or hasn't recovered fully for the 3 week haul.

Poop!

He must be pissed!!!!

I think the BKW (http://www.belgiumkneewarmers.com/2009/06/loyal.html) take on it has some real insight- Horner was just a little too open about working for Armstrong.

I think they should have a special Horner Junk-food segment on each broadcast. He could give tours of lovely french villages from cheeseburger to cheeseburger.

+1 on sad about his not being on the squad.

Lance doesn't call the shows anymore. I imagine Contador got who he wanted. And there is no way Kazahk was going to be left off since the team was created for him.

Regardless of what happens I think this is a clear example of all of the extraneous factors that come into play in a professional athletes life.

It isn't always the fittest, the best abled or even those with the purest ability that are afforded the opportunity to take their abilities, skills and fitness to the venue best able to display them. For every champion there are scores of competitors who were equally as talented by whose abilities where never recognized, or worse, developed to their fullest potential in their time.

I can't honestly say where Horner fits in here but, from what I've read, it seems that there is a smack of the inopportune in his life.

Lance doesn't call the shows anymore. I imagine Contador got who he wanted. And there is no way Kazahk was going to be left off since the team was created for him.

Benjamin Noval, a Spanish rider, was left off as well. I think Johan B. got who he wanted, regardless of who anyone else wanted (other than the Kazakh).

i wish contador was french

wow I'm glad you guys all know the future. I guess I'll just avoid watching the Tour then.

Enough guessing, here is Horner's take (http://blog.oregonlive.com/horner/2009/06/astanas_chris_horner_explains.html).

Enough guessing, here is Horner's take (http://blog.oregonlive.com/horner/2009/06/astanas_chris_horner_explains.html).

From the article:
"I love this team and am happy to finish out the season with it. "

that sounds like he's going elsewhere next season.

Boy I wish he would take over for Frankie on TV.

From the article:
"I love this team and am happy to finish out the season with it. "

that sounds like he's going elsewhere next season.

Pretty much...

"So I asked if he would be willing to release me from the team if I could find another squad to pick me up for the Tour. I thought he would say no but I had to try. After I asked many times, he finally said he wouldn't release me"

So perennial also-ran Levi/comeback of the year want Chris while defending champ (sorta) wants one of his boys and gets him. I can't really be upset about that.....unless I'm Chris Horner. But asking to go ride for someone else when he couldn't ride around the neighborhood 3 weeks ago?