The BIGGEST Day of My Career

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

The gearing I ran for this stage was a 34 or 36 front (I don't remember which) and a 32 cassette.

[@lesflynn4455]

Doesn't sound too crazy in 2020 but in 2013 that was radical.

[@Blueaspen391]

Hi Chris, I've just watched the video on Spanish TV on youtube and the presenter gives this information about the gearing used by some of you guys: Chris Horner and Samuel Sanchez; 34 front and 32 cassette. Valverde 36, 29 Nibali 34, 29 Roche 36 , 32 Joaquin Rodriguez 36, 28 Saludos desde San Sebastián, País Vasco (España).

[@znalniaskas]

I used the same gearing on the Zoncolan, nice to see that even the pros np longer shy away from "granny gears".

[@dcrunicycles]

@@Blueaspen391 the following info is amazing Johan Bruyneel, thank you for remembering your first Vuelta/Angliru 1999. Especially The triple chain ring of 32-39-53 X 10-25. An almost cyclist like myself can directly relate to those gear inches. You Pros are real titans. Truckee California. p.s. the next several stages of the Vuelta I expect to be great for the spectators. Not so much for the GC group.

[@ruimartins1676]

The history with the Spanish cops is amazing, thank you to share it with us, big hug from France, you deserved the Win

[@fabiancancellara1]

"I told my team I can do top 10, and I told my wife I can podium" Genius.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

😂🦋

[@tofolsopamisto]

The Police pin. Legend.

[@spinoza311]

You just set your standard. By far the best insider view of a grand tour stage I have ever heard. Comprehensive, detailed ,exciting ! Keep it going !

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Thanks for the note! 👊👍🦋

[@wk633]

"It's all I've ever wanted in my whole career. Really good form and a mountain to show it on". -- Andy Hampsten July 19th 1992.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Yes. Exactly 👊👍

[@stephenchu1115]

Chris, I was unaware of your tactics of using the crowd, breakaway riders, and the side of the mountain to gain advantages on the climb. I am sure Nabali didn't know what hit him as you are the smartest racing ever. You also mentioned you got lucky with these tactics as it worked out as you thought. You also mentioned you got lucky in the Tour of Romandie stage 2 tactics to win. But let's be honest - you have to be good to be lucky. You out descended Paolo Savoldelli in Romandie on wet roads and you out climbed Nabali on the l'Angliru. That's not luck but pure skill and strength. But we all appreciate your humbleness.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Correct. Good legs and some good working techniques help eliminate the need for to much luck. 👊👍

[@Crikky]

loved the story. hanged on to every word. epic finish!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊

[@ShimmyD-u7g]

Love the story as well, too bad he wasn't able to use video footage throughout the tale.

[@richardcheatham9490]

I can't tell you , Chris, how much the rendition of this win of yours put me on the edge of my seat over here. This is another gift you've been given---the ability to enthrall an audience, work up their enthusiasm, and lay them out---either ON or OFF the bike. One day we'll all be listening to your recollections of decisions you made as DS from inside the team car for GRAND TOUR wins. Ride on and on.

[@SergioRPerez]

Thank you for your honesty telling us everything about that big win.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊🦋

[@samradcliff8817]

He told us abt everything except the doping

[@tomasteijeiro3927]

Like how stupid can all these guys in the comments be? Never won anything in 20 years, had to dope when he was 42, and now he's making videos of it. Pathetic

[@ShimmyD-u7g]

@@samradcliff8817 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXmmc5yEfs-aj5Y

[@osimnod]

The names Chris Horner, Andy Hampsten and Greg LeMond should flow off the tongues of every American rider who cherishes unblemished victories as epic as this. Not trying to throw shade on Lance Armstrong but you three show great sportsmanship in your wins. And at 41 years old!

[@samradcliff8817]

There’s not much difference between him and Lance he’s j not been caught yet

[@casuallycycling9339]

Lance is one of the GOAT. Those who discredit his accomplishments are just choosing to cover their ears and close their eyes to the reality of cycling.

[@osimnod]

@@samradcliff8817 Care to provide the evidence to support your accusation?

[@stevecraig6350]

​@@osimnodHe has no evidence. Chris released 3 years of his biological passport to show he was clean. He does belong with Lemond and Hampsten.

[@JoshuaGroot-r6t]

All doped to the eyeballs!

[@mjsprad]

Thank you Chris! This is my absolute favorite stage of any Grand Tour!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Nibali really made the the stage. I would have never predicted his tactics before the stage started. But damn was he good ! Thanks !

[@williampringle1790]

What I really like about your channel Chris is how you freely discuss your personal relationships with other riders. I’m a huge fan of Vincenzo Nibali, so I have to ask the obvious question: what, if anything, did you guys talk about for the remainder of the Vuelta that year? 😊

[@lesflynn4455]

It's a cracking yarn Chris, I love it. It's so good hearing the intricacies of the race and what you were thinking during the climb. I remember watching the stage and cheering you on. Fortunately we had it on free to air tv in Australia at the time. Unfortunately we couldn't see very much due to the fog. Clearly you're a thinker. Nibali must have been pissed about losing it after having Fuglsang and Tiralongo up the road. It was an ideal scenario for Astana, but you missed all the bad luck, had great legs and played your cards right. If I recall correctly you had some injuries that year and didn't race as many days as planned that season. Some in the cycling media suggested your legs were fresher than most for the Vuelta and that may have helped. Yet these days they say there is no better preparation than a shitload of racing. Go figure, hey.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Very true. I had limited days of racing because of a knee injury. Just the Tour of Utah before the Vuelta. Before that only Tirreno Adriadico in March. I will go into more stories and about the training build up if people are interested.

[@lesflynn4455]

@@ChrisHornerCycling For sure. I'd be very interested. This is of the best things about social media. Ten years ago I couldn't imagine ever communicating with one of my favourite pros about great races.

[@MrGtargy]

@@ChrisHornerCycling We are interested.

[@SuperOCHomes]

@@lesflynn4455 @paytonmanning how did you feel before the Superbowl when it was raining in Miami? Cyclist are psyched to hear his experiences

[@stratplayer96]

@@MrGtargy Absolutely!

[@chicklechives]

I've never been so enthralled by someone talking about changing gear on a bike. Great story

[@bastianmielke414]

What a fantastic "behind the scenes" story. I love it when a rider is telling his story so we can see/feel what the camera does not capture. Its like Peter Sagan said once: 200 riders, 200 different storys. My girlfriends oppinion about cycling is: thats so boring. I've tried to explain her often the tactics and situation(s) the riders are in now.... she only sees a bunch of cyclists. Sometimes my legs are getting itchy when I see riders climbing, like i wanna send them a few watts to help. 😀

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

So correctly said and true. Every position in the group is seeing another story. Even the DS in the cars, moto cameras, everyone gets a different story. I love that ! 🦋

[@jesselobo3213]

Thank you Chris, I have literally waited years to hear how you were able to produce such an outstanding effort against Vincenzo Nibali, who was at the top of his game at the time. I know it gets my adrenaline going as I watch you ascend the I'Angliru putting in those massive efforts to win. I just had a thought. Did you surpass the "matches" you thought you had to win this race or did you save them for those efforts? Regardless ,thanks for the race breakdown. I look forward to many more stories from your career.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

I went all in on the every mountain stage finish. But on those stages I never used anything before the last climb started. I was alway in the right position all day long. Never back and forth and never socializing during the stage. The last day in Madrid was so strange because I really was chatting with everyone that day before the circuits started.

[@z3a3k3]

Answering someone below you say: "I will go into more stories and about the training build up if people are interested." Yes, Sir! People have never been more interested to hear more such stories. They are great insights into what city cyclists like me can only be guessing. The way you tell the story of your Vuelta win ride is just as fantastic as the way you did it. More, please, if you don't mind.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊🦋

[@JohnDough-yr2zt]

Chris man, I’m just a local Santa Rosa trail rider, rode with Levi sometimes, I got to ride with you and him one day, didn’t really even know who you were. Watching you you here, I understand now why he likes you so much.

[@ehthrough]

I've been waiting 7 years to hear this story! I was hoping to hear it at the Cascade Classic before that event was canceled.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊

[@rodolphoarruda]

me too

[@BeeTee69]

I had a short night of sleep last night, but man that spanish guy giving you the pin brought tears to my eyes 😂 ''when they feel what you feel'' you tell stories with your heart Chris thank you!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊🦋

[@mariosimas]

I have to say that this stage his one of the more epic that I ever seen on TV!!!!!!!! One for the ages!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@vittoriosemino4015]

Great Chris, I am an Italian fan and I cheered for Nibali, but I have to admit that you were superlative in that Vuelta and you deserved it. They underestimated you for two weeks, but in the last one you proved to be the strongest of that edition. A pleasure to hear the story, I also take this opportunity to improve my English!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊🦋

[@forestgump3305]

Such an epic stage, thanks for sharing this pure gold...love how Sufferfest made this into one of their training videos, including having to catch back up from the motorcycle crash. Chapeau Chris, love this commentary

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊🦋

[@estelja]

Chris, you have a great storytelling style. Are you going to do a season wrap-up episode with "awards" for the rider of the year, etc.? Definitely, the domestique of the year is Sepp Kuss!

[@residentmanager3088]

Sepp Kuss is still crushing it as a domestique.

[@SuperOCHomes]

One of the 'Best Ever' Grand Tours. Great to hear your mindset. Epic!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Thanks !

[@pano360]

It's amazing to hear about the level of complexity and tactics going on that the cameras and many commentators don't pick up on! I was surprised that there would be anything less than a harmonious team, DS and unified playbook, especially late into the Vuelta, but LeMond's time at La Vie Clair and the Movistar film on Netflix should be driving those lessons home for me. Your level of tenacity and fight to the end is the mark of a true champion! Thanks for the link to the stage 🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊

[@lesflynn4455]

"Anything less than a harmonious team." I never really gave that much thought either but after reading your comment I'm recalling things. Fabio Aru went rogue this year in the TDF. Then I remembered Astana in the TDF in 2009. Imagine being Johan Bruyneel managing the Lance Armstrong/Alberto Contador dramas that year.

[@SleepyLizard]

Greatest stage I ever watched. So exciting.

[@roberteastwood6937]

"quarente dos anos !!!" those Spanish commentators were amazed.... were you smiling about 3km before the finish? Legendary!

[@laurarodriguezdiaz6489]

I watched that Epic stage two days' ago I am going to watch It. Again!!!

[@jimjr4432]

I just love this stuff! I'm finally learning about world class racing and your stellar career! Thanks so much again! You sir are the best in the galaxy!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

😂🦋🦋🦋

[@danalawrence4473]

Here I am writing in 2022, but that ride was certainly one of the most epic battles I've ever seen. And it looked like absolute madness up there- the clouds, the crowds, and the two of you battling your hearts out. You both left it all there on the road, but I think you truly brought honor to the fight, and the best of some very good men won the day and the race.

[@eljamo93]

Really enjoyed the story! I remember watching this. It was super epic lol. Chapeu!

[@phill2383]

Chris, this is a fantastic story thanks for sharing it. I remember watching this stage on TV. Its an incredibly inspirational story as well. Maybe that Di2 shift to the small ring was also the butterfly effect :-) Like the story about the Pin from the Police as well. You definitely have a book in you of your career. Thank You.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Yes the Di2 could be considered that also. 😂🦋

[@KingNoob13]

This was brilliant story! So many things we did not know.

[@lesflynn4455]

Yeah this was such a great story to hear.

[@jeremyjs8863]

Wow. Never seen or heard anything like this. You mentioned the one second 'head drop', but a few moments later, looked like a smile when you realised the win was back on. Managing race craft at those levels of max effort and endurance......fantastic.

[@ShaunaCarpenter-e1b]

Winning often demands talent & serendipity. Your pacing, details, & plot choices create a nexus of exemplary storytelling.

[@calistu67]

I’ll never tire of hearing this story mate.they’ll never take that red jersey away from you champ🇺🇸🍺

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

She’s a keeper. 👊🦋

[@jeffbanks8515]

Thanks for this Chris, I always remember you in the 2014 TDF and on one stage, mountain stage, you stopped abruptly and your service car came up to you and you were sat on a wall and they literally pleaded with you to ride on, it was like they wanted you to suffer but at the same time let the team know they have the oldest rider within the TDF..... Happy retirement my friend.

[@cyclonasaurusrex1525]

My heart was racing just listening to you tell the story.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

🦋

[@John-un2co]

Thank you for sharing your epic ride with us. Always been a big fan it great to hear you take us up the climb.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

That was a hard day spent at the limit for a long time. But it was worth it.

[@petrihietanen1102]

This was so captivating to listen! Really appreciate Chris for sharing these glorious moments with us. I still remember that fog and that fierce battle with Nibali. For us mortals, that was so great to witness. And getting to hear from you how that all went...just wow!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊🦋👍

[@chasepalpatine170]

Awesome story, Chris. Great memory to share, thanks much.

[@hanvroman]

Awesome Chris, I am so glad for you you won the Vuelta...

[@upthebracket26]

This was a fantastic stage, loved watching it from my sofa.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

When I was suffering going up the climb I thought, I hope everyone at home is really enjoying this. 😜👍👊

[@involuntarysoul3867]

this is so good

[@Wacoal34d]

This is the greatest mountain top finish I have ever watched. You were incredible Chris Horner. Even near the summit your face looked relaxed, even smiling it seemed, through the mist. The mist adds to the amazing atmosphere of the crazy fans narrow road.... just awesome. I was unaware until now of your pedigree. Thanks for this great video.

[@phoenixrises7988]

Chris wins Vuelta 13'. Oldest winner of a Grand Tour ever. Best story teller from an elite cyclist.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊👊

[@abnson]

I never get tired of watching this! Epic!

[@themrtimmyboy]

Man! Epic story. Well ridden, well told. Congrats all over again! You may age but a good story never gets old.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Right. Life is about friends and family. Then doing fun/interesting stuff, afterwards sitting around with friends and family telling the story of the day. 👊

[@jonathanhayden7953]

Even 10 years since that epic win. . still one of the best final day rides at a Grand Tour and especially because it was you, Chris. At "almost 42 years of age" it was "Epic" to see you win such a close race. Great story and man, everyone looked like they were suffering big time on those steep ramps in the fog. . you looked composed(yes, and suffering too) and I don't think the commentators truly understood your standing climbing style. ..Annemiek VV does the same thing. Stronger on climbs out of the saddle than sitting on. . . Great memory!! And again Congratulations. . !!

[@Red5StayOnTarget]

Absolutely love story time with Chris. The best. Filling a much needed void in KZbin. Pros giving their behind the scene thoughts.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊

[@gullyrider1]

Great story Chris, love you man you're my #1 Knuckle head!

[@MTBryanH]

I watched every minute of that race. Fantastic win!

[@timshig2226]

Excellent! The Angliru was a different beast this year - looked like perfect weather. The day you did it made it epic. Those gradients just look other worldly - e bike for me... Or better yet, a nice Guzzi. 🙂🏍️. Huge fan of the butterfly effect here! Thanks dude!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Thanks for the note. 🦋

[@smeraldoderosa7556]

Bravissimo Chris. Absolutely loved the play by play. So exciting! Felt like I was there with you. Viva i vecchi.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊👊👍🦋

[@NightShooter87]

I know it's two years ago this vid, but great story Chris. I remember the stage really well, I was at my dad's watching it and thought Nibali would do it. I always thought he was a clever rider and somehow would find a way. But this why we love bike racing, the stories, the glory and the unexpected. I'm really glad you won.

[@Gowalkabout]

The feeling of good legs is so special. A great confidence builder. And a GREAT story, Chris! Just like in a cross-wind, it's a story of gaps. So cool.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊🦋

[@chicklechives]

Watched the highlights for the first time after becoming a fan of the butterfly effect. Maximum respect, you were a machine on this day, otherworldly physical effort.

[@dorianfulton7168]

Chris, that was SO fun to listen to. All the tiny little things that we do to glean every last crumb of an advantage. Some times they all add up and then the joy of winning by using your brain to beat your opponents is exquisite.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊🦋

[@sydmills2694]

One of my favorite tours. I watched every stage and rooted for Horner all the way. Rewatched the stages many times. Chapeau!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Thanks 👍👊

[@jameskrueger6282]

OMG. What a story. Thanks for sharing, Chris Horner. Congrats to an amazing win, Old Bull.

[@joelsavrimuthu4404]

Thank you Mr Chris Horner for every single moments u share about cycling . Keep going on bro from a big fan of yours Joel from Mauritius

[@brianharris706]

Chris your story of that year’s race is very moving. Really transparent about your wife, team and your believe in yourself. Punishing suffering while tactics running! Really enjoy the Butterfly Effect. Thank you for the personal inspiring story brother.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Thanks for the note! 👊

[@bluwasaabi]

Watching again today on Sepptember 15, 2023 because i read that it was the 10th anniversary. Congrats Chris!👊 I recall it like it was yesterday. Sitting on the Chesterfield in Charlotte, VT cheering like a madman for you🙌💥💫so much joy! Keep on keepin' on 💯

[@thatfatlad1]

I’m a massive Nibali fan. Always have been, always will be. I remember watching the stage and seeing him out the digs in. I always say one of his great strengths is tactical awareness, but you outfoxed him good and proper I feel on this climb. Great to see you both putting each other into difficulty at various stages as well. You where brilliant over 3 weeks and especially so on this day. Great ride and great video! 👌🏽

[@elroyaston6277]

I was glued to my couch watching this stage, and I was recording it so I must have watched it a dozen times. Fkn awesome.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊👍

[@mrpboddy6015]

This is the best content on KZbin. Keep them coming Chris. Best wishes all the way from Down Under.

[@shamungy]

Chris, I remember it like it was yesterday. Phenomenal I was screaming at the computer desk to tell you to go go go you got this. It was phenomenal I loved it along with your 46 mm wide bars. Wow so glad you’re covered it that was impressive and I loved it from your own words.👍💪🦋

[@lukasl1865]

Amazing stage! Nibali is such a great rider, what an effort from both of you!

[@kevinderung8524]

Not too bad for an old guy! I cannot express how much I appreciate your stories...humans are amazing!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Right. 😜👊

[@josephhoover8947]

Truely 'EPIC' blow by blow from the MAN who rode it. Thanks Chris!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊

[@shawnjackson6151]

Awesome story thanks for telling us.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👍

[@marcoestevespsi]

What a great history. You deserve a good documentary about your career.

[@milorcurramba1824]

Great story, I remember that stage, I was in USA at that time

[@andrehof7876]

Great story....I will try to find all your stories Chris...and to all viewers I say: like the man's videos...

[@stevehastie4951]

Loved hearing your story Chris…. You have a gift in word and deeds.

[@jorgeperez5834]

Excellent!! Absolutely loved it. What a perspective. All those details including what race lane to take, being close to the fans so other riders on your wheel do not get a free ride and instead take some punishment from the wind, make your rival hit the brakes at a 22% climb, read the race and adjust strategy on flight (as with Flecha giving a hand to 'Le Squalo' or taking advantage of the tactical error of Astana setting a hard tempo with Fulgsang and Tiralongo)..wow..thanks for adding context and nuance to that epic battle! The Oldest Grand Tour Winer of the Galaxy!!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊🦋

[@viajandopuravida9463]

Grande Chris!!!

[@stephenw5647]

I will never forget watching the Angrilu stage!! One of most exciting sports moments

[@normandduval8472]

I do not know what was best, the race or your sharing...thanks you brought me there.

[@marmotsongs]

Thanks for the tale. Fantastic! Would love to hear about your rivalry history with Nibali. I get the feeling there’s no love lost between you. I remember the Tour de Suisse stage in 2005 where he refused to work. It was the first time I saw him, and the first time I saw you take a big win Europe. And then there was your battle in Tirreno-Adriatico. Maybe more encounters???

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

We had a few. 👊

[@NeilXDavis]

I remember it well, was cheering you on!. Fantastic stage and great to hear your point of view.

[@DonACtS]

That 1 Stage 20 story of yours is a novel in itself. I love and excitedly keep on listening on your every word. I did not skipped any. I felt like Im watching a live race leaning forward to the TV on the edge of my sofa. Now I will search for the Vuelta Highlights of 2013.

[@slayer6936]

Love that story!! That was a great race!!!

[@antonioCsilveira]

Wow, what a race, just watched the video of the final kms and I could feel the pain. Amazing Chris

[@lukevaughan259]

Wow I'm new to the whole cycling sport, but never knew you won a grand tour, especially the Vuelta so awesome and inspirational!!!

[@danielcarter1149]

thank yiou that was excellent!

[@bartmadness830]

AMAZING story. EPIC accomplishment! You must be so proud! I just watched this on KZbin in Spanish on another channel. Stage 20 Vuelta 2013. The fans were insane! 👊👊 Put that shirt in a frame!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

One day I will. 👍👊🦋

[@johndean4912]

Chris. I know that you are busy but I want you to know how much I enjoy the Butterfly Effect and this particular video. I know you enjoy rethinking this race because I too can remember some of my successful projects (work related) and enjoy thinking about them, now that I am retired. The win will be with you always. John. Oklahoma USA

[@michaellarsen596]

I've heard you tell this story a couple times on rides that we've done together, but I still get goose bumps. The insight on the pin and and the Spanish police was cool to hear as well. Your honest and comprehensive insight on racing tactics is invaluable for us mir mortals. Keep up the great work.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

After I finished the video. I was thinking damn I still forgot to add a few things. 👊😜🦋

[@AbhijeetSingh-nm2ll]

Awesome dude

[@russellscott1151]

Great story and one of the best tours because of your epic win. Like so many others it was so inspiring to watch and support you to the finish.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊🦋

[@rescavone6690]

Absolutely amazing

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊🦋

[@mattfoley6082]

15:50 Chris, can you please elaborate on how you recovered so quickly from thinking "I give up, I lost" to "nope, gotta go even harder"? Did you perhaps realize you were just momentarily frustrated by all his attacks? I'm fascinated at the mental process going on.

[@MrBoggins1234]

That was great Chris. 👌Thx.

[@slayer6936]

Being Confident in yourself is part of success!!

[@mister_ray]

So far my favorite video of the CH Bfly channel. Thank you!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊🦋

[@owenvermeulen1231]

Also this was probably the most epic mountain top finish in any grand tour in recent years, ive watched it countless times! kudos, chris, kudos!!

[@christhee68]

That had me on the edge of my seat. Great storytelling and fantastic insight regarding tactics, politics, etc. I've watched a lot of bike racing on TV but I've never heard it explained like this before. Well done!

[@franciscopontesvelasco4315]

We all look up to u. You're a legend in cycling, its no wonder than uip( unidad intervencion policial) an elite riot group admire u. It was an amazing vuelta. Hats off to u for such an amazing feat

[@EITiga]

Thibau Pinot said that Vuelta 2013 is very fast race than Froome's Tour 2013 victory!

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

Loved hearing your story about that epic climb. You sir are a badass.