Lampre-Merida team welcomes its newest signing Chris Horner, as its manager Brent Copeland considers Horner a "great rider" and "fit in GC targets in Giro and Vuelta", as well as being able to break into the USA cycling market.

Winner of Vuelta a Espana 2013, Horner is known for his climbing prowess, and also for his out-of-saddle climbing style. Although the American is already 42 years old, Lampre-Merida still considers him of great quality, as Copeland says, "Horner is technically a great rider, excellent climber and one of the most intelligent riders in the group."

Lampre-Merida parted way with former Giro winner Scarponi, and welcomed world champion Rui Costa during this off-season. The Portugese rider will lead the team in Tour de France, but Copeland could use one more GC leader.

"Horner is one who will fit nicely in with our team riding for overall GC at the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta."

The other thing that factors into the signature of the American, is that the market of USA, presumably a good one in the cycling world.

"Chris will be the first American rider to ride for this historical team of more than 20 years in sponsorship. This is an important step for us towards making the team even more so international which i feel is important in the modern world of cycling, a step which I feel will bring a lot of interest from the USA, with Chris being the exciting rider that he is we are looking forward to getting some good feedback from this market."

Horner will probably debut in Mallorca series, from Feb 9th to Feb 12th.