Team Christina Watches issued the following statement to the press:

After discussions with Chris Horner and his new agent Baden Cooke, on Sunday night our attempts to sign Chris Horner failed despite our best efforts. Without having a Grand Tour in our race program it was always going to be a difficult decision for Chris to make, we fully understand his decision and hope he can find a sponsor who can support his wish to defend his Vuelta title.

As Mr. Cooke said to us in his declining email received late last night our offer was treated seriously but the overriding desire to defend the Vuelta has proved too great and we wish Chris all the best in his racing:

Guys,
I thank you all for your hard work on putting together your best possible deal for Chris. We explored this option seriously and with the best intentions. Chris however has decided that he will not take you up on the offer. His desire to defend the Vuelta title being the main reason.
All the best.
Regards,
Baden Cooke

We are looking forward to a great season at Christina Watches cycling team and to continue our commitment to developing the strength and depth of our squad and our race program in the years to come.