August 22, 2005

Tour De France Preview: Chris Horner

ESPN The Magazine July 04, 2005

Chris Horner has seen bike racing’s brutal side. Before turning pro in 1995, he drove to races knowing he needed to win gas money for the drive home. He used credit cards to buy things so he could return them for cash. He baby-sat for his sister’s kids in return for a room, and smuggled soda into fast-food joints (the only places he could afford to eat). “I’m not saying you can eat McDonald’s seven days a week and still win races,” says Horner. “I’m just telling you that I have.”

Four times in his 10 years as a pro, the 33-year-old Horner has been the top-ranked rider in the U.S. But he’s still hungry for the main meal: a ride in the Tour de France. He’ll get his shot this year with the Spanish team Saunier Duval-Prodir.