August 30: Survival in the mountains

Index to all entries

I survived the first test! Today was definitely a tough day in the saddle – not as long as some other mountain stages that I’ve done this year, but long enough to make me wish at several times during the race that I was laying on a beach somewhere. But I made it through, and will live to fight another day. Di Luca took an impressive win with the rest of the field coming in behind.

From being the USA's top domestic rider for several years to riding for a ProTour team in the Tour de France, Chris Horner is always on the up. A talented all-rounder, Chris had a successful year Saunier Duval-Prodir in 2005, and is now riding for Davitamon-Lotto. As one of the team's key men in the Vuelta, Horner will be detailing his progress in this special diary for Cyclingnews during the race. Australia UK USA