The surprise winner of the recent Vuelta, Chris Horner, is still without a contract for 2014.

Now the manager of refurbished Trek Factory Racing, Luca Guercilena, reveals what could be one of the reasons behind: “We have to prioritise the youngsters and above all, I can’t give Chris what he wants: we have other priorities,” Guercilena told Tuttobici.

What Guercilena is saying, in essence, is that Horner simply wanted too high a wage.

At a glance this would seem surprising, because wouldn’t most World Tour teams like to continue with a recent GT winner? Surely it is expected that the recent Vuelta triumphant might want some dough?

Well, not really.

Horner’s Vuelta victory was received with substantial skepticism, and many refused outright the possibility of a 41-year-old winning the pride of Spanish cycling. Suspicion and uncertainty caused the Americans to release Horner’s biological passport, but it may have ended up backfiring, as his haemoglobin concentration have been called into doubt by anti-doping expert Michael Pucowicz.

Guercilena agrees that Horner’s victory “has raised infinite doubts and suspicions,” however he offers his own interpretation for the surprising performance:

“Starting with the premise that I would never in my life put my hand in the fire for anyone, I think that Chris’ victory can be explained as follows,” Guercilena said. “Chris rode very little this year due to injury and a subsequent knee operation. Furthermore, his direct rivals – from Nibali to Rodriguez to Valverde – were clearly more worn out than him after a very long and wearying season. If you look close at the data, you’ll realise that the average level [of the race] was relatively low. I didn’t see incredible things.”

Guercilena’s backing notwithstanding, Horner is still without a team for 2014, and time may be running out. An exorbitant wage claim, a somewhat tainted past, and lugging 41 years may just force Horner into unemployment, or even retirement.

What a way to end a fantastic season.