American Vuelta winner Chris Horner was supposed to have a captain role in the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, but a horrible crash was the end of these plans. Instead Horner has found his way to England and the start of the Tour de France. CyclingQuotes meet with him for a talk about himself and his captain Rui Costa.

When he was asked about his form after the crash before the Giro he is very optimistic, but he isn’t sure about where he is compared to the rest of the favourites. His first priority of the race is to keep himself away from any crashes or losing time.

“Let’s see. In the start of the race it’s all about getting through the first week without losing any time or getting involved in any crashes. It would be hard to go through a period of injury so early. That is my first priority right now. When we get to the mountains we’ll see how it looks for me, but I will most likely get to know my form on the first mountain stage of the race,” Horner told CyclingQuotes.com.

Horner also told he wants to return to Spain in August and try to defend his Vuelta title from last year. He will have a look on the condition of his form in the Tour de France.

“My plan is to come back and defend my title in Vuelta a España. Even though I might not have a good form in the first week here in France, I may be lucky to keep up with the rest in the first week. And then the good form sometimes comes in the second and third week. I could be together with Rui Costa in the mountains and help him if it is necessary. If I can follow him all the way or stick to the favourites I simply don’t know yet.”

The experienced American said he believes Rui Costa is a good rider. Even though we haven’t seen him riding for the GC in a GT it doesn’t mean he can’t perform well.

“As a rider you have stability at different times. Maybe he was a bit too young last year and then he has the right age this year. If you win the Tour de Suisse three times you must be a good rider and a good GC rider. We don’t know what he is capable of in a GT, but it doesn’t mean he can’t do it. So maybe it turns out very well. Hopefully I will get to my top level,” Horner finishes.