Rumour mill round-up: Horner's wage demands, González linked

According to some sources, Chris Horner is demanding quite the extravagant wage if he's to come on board Fernando Alonso's yet to be named new team in 2014.

The recent Vuelta victor is said to be asking for 1,5 million euro yearly. At soon to be 42, he's naturally keen on a final, big pay day, but it remains to be seen if Alonso's men can afford that kind of outlay - especially in their first year and with UCI deadlines fast approaching.

Another rider linked to the new team is hotshot Mario González Salas.

The young man from Cantabria, born in June 1992, has enjoyed a breakout year on the Spanish amateur circuit this year under the tutelage of a certain David Etxebarría at Cafés Baqué-Conservas Campos.

Riding on the same team as his brother José Manuel, Mario has finally delivered on his undoubted potential this year, taking a number of big wins and being a key part of the Spanish sub-23 set-up. The reigning national road race and Vuelta a Bidasoa champion recently took part in the Tour de l'Avenir, and will soon be heading to Florence to ride the World Championships.

Whether there's any truth to the rumours remain to be seen, though, mind you.

Photo: Chris Horner Racing