After Lupus Racing Team fired Jure Kocjan following news of a sample from 2012 being reanlaysed and EPO found in it, the team looks to have found his replacement, Chris Horner.

Horner had been speaking to his 2015 employers, now known as Team Illuminate, but wasn’t sure if he could race because of a lingering bacterial lung infection.

"He wanted to continue his racing career, and was eager to be part of our growing program. We are focused on making a solid presence in every race in which we compete this year. It’s all about being aggressive and being the best each and every day, and for years to come. Chris will be a great leader for our young team,” Lupus DS Phil Cortes said.

Horner, 44, said he was excited to race with the team and said it was a great opportunity to continue racing at home with a top team.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I am very glad to race with the Lupus Racing Team. It was a priority for me to continue racing this year with a US-based team. The Lupus team has put together a solid roster and has a great reputation. I couldn’t be more excited about 2016,” Horner said.