Rock Racing Georgia Roster Released

Here they come again: Rock Returns to big time racing at Georgia

The Rock Racing team announced in a press release their roster for the upcoming Tour of Georgia. Let the speculation begin. The "Big Three" of Tyler Hamilton, Santiago Botero, and Oscar Sevilla are listed, as is Kayle Leogrande, who was allegedly under investigation for a failed medical control last season at the criterium championships. Team owner Michael Ball has even managed to have his team name listed as a founding sponsor for the stage race, a huge step in terms of gaining recognition for his team and brand.

Like it or not, Michael Ball has orchestrated a master stroke in gaining entry for his team into Georgia at such a late date. Adding the founding sponsor moniker sweetens the deal even more. Rock Racing, like they were at the Tour of California, will be the center of attention once again in an American stage race. And while the "Lion King" won't be on hand to contest the sprints, the star power and intrigue of the "Big Three" will be more than enough to garner attention for the team, and well before a pedal has even been turned in the race.

Michael Ball sounds off ahead of this year's Tour of California about his new team

Speaking of the "Big Three," now that it appears that they will have the chance to line up against some of the world's best, how will they fair? Hamilton has played a domestique role thus far in the season, and was largely unheard of at San Dimas (31st overall) or Redlands (33rd overall), the two stage races he has ridden so far this year. Botero rode strong at both of the above events, and looks like the most likley of the three to get a big result at Georgia. Sevilla lost San Dimas by a scant one second, and could be a factor on the Brass Town Bald stage.

Rock was right at home at the Tour of California. In Georgia, they'll stick out like a sore thumb

Not to be outdone or forgotton are Rodriguez and Hugo Pena. Pena is an accomplished climber, and a servicable time trialist. With some luck, he could go top ten on the overall. Rodriguez meanwhile will assume the sprinter's duties after the departure of Cipollini. Rodriguez is a good sprinter, but has never been the kind of rider who can overpower a bunch. He'll need to try to win stages with his head as much as his legs. Finally, Kale Leogrande. Tattooed. Controversial. Quiet, unassuming. Perfect for Rock Racing. He'll get his chance to impress the cycling world in Georgia, or flame out trying. The addition of the Rock team will only help the Tour of Georgia, as one of the most "colorful" teams in the professional peloton roll out the day-glo green carpet in the great southern state of Georgia.