Horner in hospital

By Mark Zalewski, North American Editor in Kansas City, Kansas

Chris Horner, who is racing this cyclo-cross season for the Indiana University Medical Center, was scheduled to race in the elite national cyclo-cross championships in Kansas City on Sunday, but was noticeably absent from the starting grid. The American that recently signed to race with Astana on the road for the 2008 season was rushed to a local hospital after it was determined he needed an emergency appendectomy.

Horner told Cyclingnews that all went well with the procedure and he is expected to make a full recovery. "[I'm] feeling much better today," he said. "Hope to be back on the bike in 10 days or two weeks."

Horner was not the only top rider visiting hospital instead of the finish line on Sunday, as defending champion Ryan Trebon collided with an out-of-control rider during the elite race, causing him to lose consciousness momentarily.