Vuelta Stage 19: Joaquin Rodriguez takes the stage - and Chris Horner snatches race lead

Sky were poor this race, both Valverde and Rodriguez had just completed the TdF and Nibs was "allegedly" using it as a training race for the worlds - so who else was up there to challenge Horner ?

Roche - likewise the TdF. Your only left with S Sanchez and Pinot, neither of whom are genuine GT contenders at the mo.

Let him have his moment of glory and if it comes back to bite his arse then thats tuff and he has only cheated himself.

Does the fact that he reportedly missed a doping control at the end of the vuelta indicate that he may have been doping. Suerly though due to his performances he would have been tested during the race. It will be interesting to see why he was not at his stated Hotel, or it could be as simple as he was out celebrating his win. If he has been doping it throws what was a great race another into another non-event and Nibali's chance to be written into the history books as a true modern great of cycling. We could all be wrong mind you and Horner's performance was genuine, but as one who watches a hell of a lot of cycling his name is one you dont hear often. His palmares show no indication that he should have been a contender at the Vuelta.

@Gkam, this is a very selective account of Wiggins' previous performance with a particular spin that attempts to back up your suspicions.

I'm not saying he's completely beyond suspicion, nobody in cycling is. But as you point out, people have levelled unsubstantiated accusations against Horner which is just as bad as yours against Wiggins.

Apparently, according to those around these parts, no proof is needed when accusing Horner, so why would I need to have proof??

Apart from a guy that can just put on weight or drop it in no time at all and not suffer any loss of power. Associated with a couple of dodgy teams, right around the time they were getting busted for dopers CA and Cofidis, also with a team full of now known dopers, Garmin.

2009, after being a nowhere man in the GT's (just like Horner) comes up with a 4th place (now 3rd) totally out of the blue and no-one could believe it.

At least Horner has previous wins in bigger races and tours under his belt.

Wiggins had a couple of years in the road 2005-07 where he won a couple of TT's and a stage here and there, 2008 went solely back to the track, won world and Olympic title's. Then 2009 he's up there with Contador and Armstrong, known dopers, Then both the Schleck's. One known and one dodgy.

2010, didn't do much, two GT's, not even top 20. 2011, all of a sudden he's back up there in La Vuelta after being injured at TDF.

2012, win's everything in sight and is untouchable to even the best....

2013...is shit again

He is also very much known for his altitude training, which as we all know, puts you off limits to doping tests because they can give false positives.

Not a chance, I'm not stupid enough to think he was never involved in doping, knowing about it, maybe taking something.

But I truly believe that here and now, he's clean

Why would he need to be out performing his team LEADER....that's the whole sense in having a leader, you work for him. Not dump him and shoot off on your own agenda. He's had to work for Schleck and others throughout his GT career so far, this has been his first real chance to have a crack at it from himself.

Doping isn't as rife and some would like to make out, especially when you compare it to 10 years ago.

Your comments just make you sound bitter at the whole pro cycling scene.

I am glad that you are still finding enjoyment in the battles, because it seems to me that you can't enjoy pro racing much with the opinion that almost all the riders are doping

I just think that those of you who don't think doping is rife need to flush out your head gear.

Horner success is a joke. If you think he really is 'that good' at the age of 42 just ask yourself why he has never flown off the front of a grand tour like Froome did last year. Why he has never out performed his his teams GC rider.

This form is not the sort you pick up at his age naturally. There is science behind this and if you can't smell that this stinks take the peg off your nose. This isn't a good thing for cycling.

That said I am enjoying the battles of the Vuelta, but all I want now is for someone to wipe that sh1t eating rictus grin off that over ripe bag of bones Horner. Allez Rodriguez.

I think all you lot accussing horner of Doping are narrow the narrow minded ones who cannot see he's actually doing great in the Vuelta. Its Not about Proof, can you prove Horners doping?

Until we have this UCI under McQuaid I dont think you can trust anyone.

Proof? Or just your narrow minded opinion that the whole peloton is doping!

Could the trolls just get a life. Its your problem if you think he's doping. Would you say Cadel and Sky were doping. Remember If ones doping everyone is under this UCI!

It seems that the best place to finish a grand tour overall is second judging by you lot, dont cheats also finish further down the field as well?

trouble is, I'm enjoying watching the racing. i really hope Horner isn't doping

"The year Horner f-ed cycling by getting caught winning the Vuelta". What a special way to end your career.

If he doesn't get caught cycling becomes a joke anyway. Thanks Chris.

Horner is spoiling my enjoyment of what has been an otherwise great Vuelta.

^ currently it says 'more to follow'

You got that right! But still not as much as if he'd been wearing a sky jersey!