Even though Christopher Horner had hoped to stay at Lampre-Merida for another year, it wasn’t to happen, as the Italian squad officially confirmed that the 43-year old American won’t be a part of their team for 2015 season and thanked him for the times he spent in the fuchsia and blue outfit in the official press release.

“At the end of the season, Team Lampre-Merida sends there best wishes and gratefulness to the American cyclist Chris Horner for year he spent in the team,” Lampre stated in their official press release sent on Tuesday.

“In 2014 Horner had to face many unfortunate incidents, the most unfortunate being the terrible crash during training before the Giro d'Italia: for Lampre-Merida seeing Chris coming back to races and taking part in Tour de France after this serious injury was a huge success, however even after his hard work and due to these situations Chris was not fortunate enough to demonstrate his true potential.”

“Lampre-Merida would like to show their appreciation to Horner for his proactive attitude, his passion for cycling, sacrifices and efforts he made for the team during the 2014 season: Chris has been a true professional in all senses, especially with his experience which the young riders exploited.”

“Team Lampre-Merida wish Chris all the best for his future: it would have been great for the team and Chris to have crossed paths earlier on in his career in order to have had a longer relationship.”

As Horner’s situation at Lampre remained uncertain for several weeks, his agent and former team-mate Baden Cooke has been trying to secure his future with another team. The former professional cyclist hoped to close all negotiations before the end of October, but for now nothing has been confirmed.