The Rock team has been the glitziest everywhere it has gone
Breaking news yesterday afternoon revealed that Rock Racing's Mario Cipollini is no longer under contract to the Rock Racing team, having severed ties with the flamboyant outfit lead by Rock & Republic CEO Michael Ball. Cipollini also denied rumors that he would be transferring to the Tinkoff Credit Systems team for a ride in Milan-San Remo. It looks as though the mighty Lion King has hung up the cleats for good.
Cipo' seems done for sure this time
Cipolini explained in a statement what happened, saying "unfortunately I've had to end my relationship with the American Rock Racing team that started a few months ago, The idea of riding Milan-San Remo made sense if it was linked to a wider project of building and managing a new team and my return to racing was part of the project to create a dream team. Despite a contract, this hasn't happened for reasons out of my control."
Previously suspended riders Botero, Hamilton (center) and Sevilla have added a circus-like atmosphere to the Rock Racing team
Meanwhile, over in the Rock camp, tensions continue to rise within the fledgling franchise. Word out of SoCal says team riders are irritable and things seem to be melting down. In a prepared statement, Rock Racing and Michale Ball reacted to Cipo's exit: "From a business perspective and from an overall team standpoint, the relationship between Mario Cipollini and Rock Racing was not advantageous, and would not work long-term. We have terminated his contract and wish him luck in future endeavors."
Michael Ball has made quite an impression on the cycling world in 2008. Whether it has been a positive impression is up for debate
Hmmmmm. This sounds very similar to the resignation of former director sportif Frankie Andreau, who was less than satisfied with some of Ball's practices as a team owner. Cipo' too seems to have been burned by the LA clothing czar. What will happen next in the Rock Racing camp is any one's guess. Will they make it to Redlands this week or will they fold and disappear, a fluorescent green cloud mixing with the LA smog? If they do go it would be a shame, as the buzz around the Rock team has only helped cycling's publicity, for good or bad.
Andreau took the high road in parting ways with Rock Racing, and has been better off for his decision
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1 comments:
Cipo had an impressive race at California! Sounds like Mr. Ball would be better off if he stuck to clothing and let a cycling legend like Andreau or Cipo to run the team. It's sad to see what could be a really good program go down the hole.
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