Horner really is unique, and has always been. I‘ve been following his path since circa 2000, when he was back in the US, after difficult times at FdJ.Chris Horner is the Teflon Don of cycling.
One of many things I like about the guy is he never seemed worried about getting popped for nefarious deeds, despite the fact he never enjoyed the same power and influence of, say, a person who can't be mentioned in this forum. Let's just say his shenanigans took more than one ball.
Also, he is the only person in the world who can make a bike race seem exciting with 150 km's to go. If you follow closely, his narratives jump all over the place, but he still manages to keep the narrative in his head right until the end.
I admire his enthusiasm and willful silliness. I find it infectious.
I was extremely happy for him after his late breakthrough victory (MTF of Arosa in 2005 TdS). In these times, I really noticed he was a special person. This spirit and motivation, his unorthodox approach to his job, certain quotes, all these made me a fan of his.
His stories about nutrition, back then - just great. His passion for McDonald‘s food, when everyone ate cleanly… Funny stuff.
2005 Arosa, I thought this might have been his career crowning. I had no idea he‘d go on to win the Vuelta six years later, aged 41.
He‘s still around and commentating, which I like very much. Only thing that‘s weird when he rates sprints and current sprinters…
Different to Jens Voigt and Bobby Julich, both who I disliked almost from the beginning, I still almost love Chris Horner and everything he did, does and will do in cycling. A smart man with fine humour, who always also had the ability to laugh about himself, if it fit…