Horner ruled out of Vuelta a Espana

ChrisHorner_high_s

The Lampre-Merida rider has been suffering from bronchitis, but the 42-year-old was still expected to make the starting line-up in Jerez de la Frontera on Saturday.

However, his team announced on Friday that Horner will not participate after a cortisone-based treatment lowered the level of the hormone cortisol in his blood.

Horner was given a therapeutic use exemption for the treatment by the International Cycling Union (UCI) and was therefore eligible to start the race, but it is the team - part of the Movement for Credible Cycling (MPCC) - who have ruled the American out.

The MPCC is committed to clean cycling and expects a minimum level of cortisol from its riders. With Horner's levels below that minimum value, the Italian team have adhered to the MPCC conditions and replaced him with Valerio Conti.

​Horner expressed his disappointment at not making the final team for the 21-stage race that he won in 2013 to become the oldest man to triumph in a Grand Tour.

"Of course I'm sad about this news," he said. "I was willing to try to defend the 2013 title.

"Vuelta was my main target in the season, the team signed me with the aim of being competitive in the Spanish race, but I accept the decision linked to the MPCC's rules.

"This bad bronchitis caused me a lot of problems, I've been suffering with it for weeks and this treatment could have allowed me to solve the problem.

"UCI gave authorisation for the treatment, I could race according to UCI rules, but my team is a member of MPCC, I understand it and we all must accept this situation without regrets."

The opening stage of this year's Vuelta consists of a 12.6kilometre team time trial around the city of Jerez.

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