SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Recently retired pro road racer Jon Hornbeck is the new editor of Hi-Torque Publication's Road Bike Action magazine.
Hornbeck raced for the Holowesko-Citadel Racing Team last year, his sixth year as a road racer; he finished 19th overall at the 2016 Tour of California. He's also a former motocross racer and mountain bike racer. He replaces Neil Shirley, who had been RBA's editor. Shirley also is a former pro road racer.
Zapata Espinoza, the editorial director for the magazine, said Hornbeck's racing credentials provide an authenticity that is key for the job.
"I think Neil set the precedent for having someone who can really ride a bike," Espinoza said. "Having a guy who can give a real personal view of what it's like to race shoulder to shoulder with Peter Sagan is really valuable. I know I don't know what that's like."
Hornbeck has written several freelance articles for RBA and contacted Espinoza after he learned that his team had renewed his contract for 2017. Besides racing, Hornbeck has promoted races and operates a clothing brand, SPNDX Stampede.
"It really impressed me and Roland (Hinz, Hi-Torque's owner) that Jon is an entrepreneur and he's very keen on social media ... He has a wider worldview than just being a road bike racer," Espinoza said.
Hornbeck, 27, started with Hi-Torque just after Thanksgiving. He'll continue to compete in some events, including the Dirty Kanza gravel race. Espinoza also said he was happy that RBA will continue to be represented at bike media events by someone who "can tear everyone's legs off."
