If you live in Costa Mesa, CA or any of the surrounding towns, c'mon down to Two Wheels One Planet on Saturday night. Kryptonite is hosting An Evening with Bob Roll starting at 5pm.
Bob will be talking about his experiences racing in some of the classics as well as his observations commentating on some great Tours now.
And, we all know Bobke isn't shy about sharing his opinions...ask him pretty much anything you want. What does he think about Lance and the comback, Rock Racing and the state of cycling today? Ask him. He'll let you know.
Here's the info:
420 E. 17th Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Phone: 949-646-7717
Showing posts with label Rock Racing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rock Racing. Show all posts
Monday, November 03, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Tyler Hamilton & Rock Racing Win!
Although I haven't been here writing much about cyling lately, I have been following what's been going on. Again, after all the shenanigans of the Tour Day France riders, I've decided I'm not going to follow it any more. I stopped when Ricco was taken out of th the Tour.
I thought I was just done with pro cycling. Done. And I was for a couple of days...until I saw a bright spot. As I mentioned the other day, the Rock Stars (Rock Racing) have been kicking butt at Tour of Qinghai Lake. And I'm so happy for them.
Well, today, my friend Tyler Hamilton took the overall win!!!! I'm beyond psyched for him. This is his first win since 2004. It's been a long, awful haul for him, but he's back where he belongs.
Seeing this is priceless.
"It is a special win," admitted Hamilton. "It has been a long time. I think that there are a lot of people that didn’t think that I could reach a level like this. The goal coming in was to win the race, whether it was myself, Oscar Sevilla or Michael Creed," Hamilton explained. "A victory for a team-mate is a victory for me and I am pretty sure it goes the other way too. It is nice to repay my team-mates, the staff and especially Michael Ball."
Rock on Tyler!
I thought I was just done with pro cycling. Done. And I was for a couple of days...until I saw a bright spot. As I mentioned the other day, the Rock Stars (Rock Racing) have been kicking butt at Tour of Qinghai Lake. And I'm so happy for them.
Well, today, my friend Tyler Hamilton took the overall win!!!! I'm beyond psyched for him. This is his first win since 2004. It's been a long, awful haul for him, but he's back where he belongs.
Seeing this is priceless.
"It is a special win," admitted Hamilton. "It has been a long time. I think that there are a lot of people that didn’t think that I could reach a level like this. The goal coming in was to win the race, whether it was myself, Oscar Sevilla or Michael Creed," Hamilton explained. "A victory for a team-mate is a victory for me and I am pretty sure it goes the other way too. It is nice to repay my team-mates, the staff and especially Michael Ball."
Rock on Tyler!
Friday, July 18, 2008
A Win for Tyler and Rock Racing!!!
It's been no secret to anyone who knows me or reads this blog that I'm a fan of Tyler Hamilton. Now I know a lot of you have other opinions of Tyler, but as his friend seeing him win again brings a big ole smile to my face!
Yes, Tyler won the stage of the Tour of Qinghai Lake today! Tour de France it's not, but with the way the Tour is going, I'm glad he's where he is.
And any of you who are going to poo-poo this win because of him "being a doper", look at it this way...he did his time out of racing (just like Mr. Loud, David Millar), he has a license to race and he's being tested. He won this race fair and square and I'm THRILLED!
And now he's in the Yellow Jersey!
Congratulations, Tyler!!!!!!!
You are a ROCK STAR!
7/19 - Update: According to Rock Racing's Twitter feed today, Tyler finished in the main field today. He retains the yellow jersey. More from Rock Racing's Twitter feed:
"Only Sunday's circuit race stands between Hamilton scoring his first overall victory in a stage race since the Tour de Romandie in 2004"
OH YEA.....
Yes, Tyler won the stage of the Tour of Qinghai Lake today! Tour de France it's not, but with the way the Tour is going, I'm glad he's where he is.
And any of you who are going to poo-poo this win because of him "being a doper", look at it this way...he did his time out of racing (just like Mr. Loud, David Millar), he has a license to race and he's being tested. He won this race fair and square and I'm THRILLED!
And now he's in the Yellow Jersey!
Congratulations, Tyler!!!!!!!
You are a ROCK STAR!
7/19 - Update: According to Rock Racing's Twitter feed today, Tyler finished in the main field today. He retains the yellow jersey. More from Rock Racing's Twitter feed:
"Only Sunday's circuit race stands between Hamilton scoring his first overall victory in a stage race since the Tour de Romandie in 2004"
OH YEA.....
Friday, April 25, 2008
Dentist and Rock Racing
It's a gorgeous day here in New England. Sun is shining, spring temps and, well...it's FRIDAY!
I was going to write about how many motorcycles are cruising by my house every night (dramatic rise so it is very noticable) and some of the motorcycles I've seen. That's so appropriate and there are some cool bikes to talk about.
But, then I started my day at the dentist at 8am today. By the time I was done there and made it to the office, I've decided that I'm going to write about something I really want to - at the risk of writing about them too much - Rock Racing. Hey, you have the dentist say to you, "You need to come back and don't worry too much...it won't be bad." Then you tell me you wouldn't have stopped at Dunkin' Donuts and got a "comfort food" muffin, too, and then write about your new favorite team. Go ahead...I dare you.
So, I get to the office and see a new article about Michael Ball on Bicycling.com by Bill Gifford. Ok, tea, muffin and a good interview with the Rock Star himself. Day's getting better.
I don't know if you like Rock Racing or not. Or if you agree with the team Ball's put together. But you have to admire Michael Ball. He grew up very poor, he had some run-ins with the law and then he started a clothing company that is estimated at $100 million annually. Is that not a true rags to riches story? That's cool.
He believes in second chances (yeah!), he believes in branding (are you listening cycling world...) and he thinks he can bring his line of cycling inspired clothes to Bloomies and Neiman Marcus. What? That's interesting. But, I'll bet he will.
Michael Ball believes in doing cycling a little differently. If you haven't been paying attention, cycling does not need to be going down the same ole path it's been going down, it needs different. But, if you purists listen closely he understands cycling and truly loves it, "It's one of the last romantic sports." Yes, that surprised me, too.
Happy Weekend, everyone!
I was going to write about how many motorcycles are cruising by my house every night (dramatic rise so it is very noticable) and some of the motorcycles I've seen. That's so appropriate and there are some cool bikes to talk about.
But, then I started my day at the dentist at 8am today. By the time I was done there and made it to the office, I've decided that I'm going to write about something I really want to - at the risk of writing about them too much - Rock Racing. Hey, you have the dentist say to you, "You need to come back and don't worry too much...it won't be bad." Then you tell me you wouldn't have stopped at Dunkin' Donuts and got a "comfort food" muffin, too, and then write about your new favorite team. Go ahead...I dare you.
So, I get to the office and see a new article about Michael Ball on Bicycling.com by Bill Gifford. Ok, tea, muffin and a good interview with the Rock Star himself. Day's getting better.
I don't know if you like Rock Racing or not. Or if you agree with the team Ball's put together. But you have to admire Michael Ball. He grew up very poor, he had some run-ins with the law and then he started a clothing company that is estimated at $100 million annually. Is that not a true rags to riches story? That's cool.
He believes in second chances (yeah!), he believes in branding (are you listening cycling world...) and he thinks he can bring his line of cycling inspired clothes to Bloomies and Neiman Marcus. What? That's interesting. But, I'll bet he will.
Michael Ball believes in doing cycling a little differently. If you haven't been paying attention, cycling does not need to be going down the same ole path it's been going down, it needs different. But, if you purists listen closely he understands cycling and truly loves it, "It's one of the last romantic sports." Yes, that surprised me, too.
Happy Weekend, everyone!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Rock Racing Gear is Here...Almost!
Maybe it's been my pestering...or maybe a lot of you have been pestering them....but Rock Racing has finally announced when their gear is going to be for sale. May 20th. Only 26 days away (no, I'm not that fanatical; they have a counter on the front of their site).
Mark your calendars for May 20th! Until then, you can view it here and I must say, that green and black is kick butt! It's called Body Armour/Venom. HA!
Good stuff, guys!
Mark your calendars for May 20th! Until then, you can view it here and I must say, that green and black is kick butt! It's called Body Armour/Venom. HA!
Good stuff, guys!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Rock Stars in Georgia
With all the talk of tattoos, I've been a little behind in the news this week. Just saw this morning that the Rock Stars will be at the Tour of Georgia! Yes, Rock Racing will be there, in full on Monday. Yes, Yes, YES! Finally, some sensibility to this cycling season.
I don't usually do this, but I feel so strongly about this topic that I'm pasting their press release:
Fulton County, Ga. — Professional cycling fans will get their wish after all: Rock Racing will be a part of the 2008 Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T after reaching a settlement with race organizer, Medalist Sports, LLC.
The overwhelming favorite pro team in a recent online poll by Bicycling Magazine, Rock Racing will be a part of the six-day, 660-mile stage race that begins Monday, April 21. The team’s roster for the race will be announced in the coming days.
“The fans told us they wanted us to be there,” says Team Owner Michael Ball. “We are pleased that we were able to work with Medalist to come to a mutually beneficial decision. Now the race will truly field the best of the best of international and domestic pro cycling teams which will only build on the momentum created for domestic cycling at the Tour of California.”
Today’s decision was made after ProTour team Saunier Duval-Scott announced they would not be racing due to numerous injuries of key riders. Rock Racing had filed an injunction earlier this month to be allowed entry into the race.A hearing in the case was scheduled for earlier today but the two parties settled out of court.
Ball said a flood of e-mails, letters and phone calls from fans in support of the team could not be ignored.“The team is ready to race. Santiago Botero’s win and the team’s performance at Redlands is a clear indication of what to expect next week in Georgia,” said Ball.
Rock Racing’s Botero convincingly won the Redlands Bicycle Classic by 54 seconds in his first ever race in the United States. In capturing the overall, Botero also won the King of the Mountains classification and one stage of the four-day race.At the Amgen Tour of California in February, Rock Racing was equally impressive by scoring seven top 10 finishes during the seven-stage, 650-mile race. To date in 2008, the team has won six races and registered 15 podium finishes.
Way to go Michael Ball!
Rock Racing brings with it all the flash and marketing of a well-oiled NASCAR team. Now, I know that's probably a bad analogy for the cycling world (lots of gas, pollution etc), but marketing-wise, it's a good one. Cycling needs that NASCAR feel - it needs that flash, it needs personalities, it needs a boost and, if you'd like to think of them this way (I don't), it needs some "bad boys" (in a good way, of course).
Now, I will whole-heartedly say - GO, support the Tour of Georgia! GO out on the roads, watch the race, chalk the road, cheer your hearts out. This is going to be one heck of a race. I can't wait to watch it unfold every single day.
To Tyler and all the Rock Stars - Allez! Allez!
Oh, just one thing....again, Rock Racing...where's your gear!? C'mon - we can't wait to get our hands on it.
I don't usually do this, but I feel so strongly about this topic that I'm pasting their press release:
Fulton County, Ga. — Professional cycling fans will get their wish after all: Rock Racing will be a part of the 2008 Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T after reaching a settlement with race organizer, Medalist Sports, LLC.
The overwhelming favorite pro team in a recent online poll by Bicycling Magazine, Rock Racing will be a part of the six-day, 660-mile stage race that begins Monday, April 21. The team’s roster for the race will be announced in the coming days.
“The fans told us they wanted us to be there,” says Team Owner Michael Ball. “We are pleased that we were able to work with Medalist to come to a mutually beneficial decision. Now the race will truly field the best of the best of international and domestic pro cycling teams which will only build on the momentum created for domestic cycling at the Tour of California.”
Today’s decision was made after ProTour team Saunier Duval-Scott announced they would not be racing due to numerous injuries of key riders. Rock Racing had filed an injunction earlier this month to be allowed entry into the race.A hearing in the case was scheduled for earlier today but the two parties settled out of court.
Ball said a flood of e-mails, letters and phone calls from fans in support of the team could not be ignored.“The team is ready to race. Santiago Botero’s win and the team’s performance at Redlands is a clear indication of what to expect next week in Georgia,” said Ball.
Rock Racing’s Botero convincingly won the Redlands Bicycle Classic by 54 seconds in his first ever race in the United States. In capturing the overall, Botero also won the King of the Mountains classification and one stage of the four-day race.At the Amgen Tour of California in February, Rock Racing was equally impressive by scoring seven top 10 finishes during the seven-stage, 650-mile race. To date in 2008, the team has won six races and registered 15 podium finishes.
Way to go Michael Ball!
Rock Racing brings with it all the flash and marketing of a well-oiled NASCAR team. Now, I know that's probably a bad analogy for the cycling world (lots of gas, pollution etc), but marketing-wise, it's a good one. Cycling needs that NASCAR feel - it needs that flash, it needs personalities, it needs a boost and, if you'd like to think of them this way (I don't), it needs some "bad boys" (in a good way, of course).
Now, I will whole-heartedly say - GO, support the Tour of Georgia! GO out on the roads, watch the race, chalk the road, cheer your hearts out. This is going to be one heck of a race. I can't wait to watch it unfold every single day.
To Tyler and all the Rock Stars - Allez! Allez!
Oh, just one thing....again, Rock Racing...where's your gear!? C'mon - we can't wait to get our hands on it.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Kudos for Today!
As I am looking through the news of the day two items came to my attention that I want to make sure you all see - they are both good things.
First off, for helping the environment...kudos to Thule. Bicycle Retailer is reporting today that Thule is going to power part of its headquarters with solar energy starting this summer! How cool is that? They are also encourging employees to ride bikes to work. After seeing Fritz's photo of gas prices in California, I wonder if New England isn't too far behind (Thule is in CT). Smart all the way around at Thule. Bravo!
My second kudos? To the Tour of Utah. Why? Because they've picked the teams to compete in August and guess who made the list? Yup, Rock Racing! Why? Well, because event director Terry McGinnis is a smart man. Check out his quote in The Salt Lake Tribune:
"They're a team that creates a lot of buzz wherever they go, and as a race director I think buzz is good," he said. "We definitely appreciate their media savvy and new image they have."
Terry, if we lived closer I'd go shake your hand. If not for this being the same weekend as the Falmouth Road Race, I'd come out to the race, too. But, I'll be there in spirit. BRAVO!
First off, for helping the environment...kudos to Thule. Bicycle Retailer is reporting today that Thule is going to power part of its headquarters with solar energy starting this summer! How cool is that? They are also encourging employees to ride bikes to work. After seeing Fritz's photo of gas prices in California, I wonder if New England isn't too far behind (Thule is in CT). Smart all the way around at Thule. Bravo!
My second kudos? To the Tour of Utah. Why? Because they've picked the teams to compete in August and guess who made the list? Yup, Rock Racing! Why? Well, because event director Terry McGinnis is a smart man. Check out his quote in The Salt Lake Tribune:
"They're a team that creates a lot of buzz wherever they go, and as a race director I think buzz is good," he said. "We definitely appreciate their media savvy and new image they have."
Terry, if we lived closer I'd go shake your hand. If not for this being the same weekend as the Falmouth Road Race, I'd come out to the race, too. But, I'll be there in spirit. BRAVO!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Rock Stars in California
Tyler Hamilton and the other Rock Stars lead the peloton
Photo: Action Images
Did y'all see the results for the 24th Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic? Just who was at the top of the heap when it was all finished? A Rock Star, Santiago Botero!
If you followed along with The Daily Peloton you saw that Rock Racing team members were refered to as "Rock Stars". Not sure if that was The Daily Peloton dubbing them that, or if that came from the PR folks at Rock Racing. Either way, it's brilliant marketing.
The Rock Stars proved they are serious and here to stay...are you paying attention Tour of Georgia?
Just one thing for Rock Racing, though...where's the gear? Your growing fan base wants to get all decked out! Someone told me April....it's April....I want to start sporting some green and black gear gang! Get it out there.
Bravo, Rock Stars, Bravo!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Spokesmen Podcast #27
Yesterday morning I was able to join The Spokesmen podcast again! Woo-hoo! It's been awhile because of my schedule and the schedules of the folks on the podcast (life happens, right?!).
Because life happens, there were only three of us, but it wasn't for lack of trying - Tim Grahl had some wacky computer problems, Tim Jackson was on a plane with his knees up near his chest and Carlton had a technology meltdown (not his, but his provider). But, David, Richard and I got up early (ok, not so early for me, but wicked early for Richard on the West Coast) and had some fun together. I always think I sound like a dork, but David and Richard sound fabulous, as always.
Some of the topics on Episode #27:
- Tragic accident this weekend in northern California
- Accident in Tucson with deputy hitting group ride
- Utah cyclists press charges under 3-foot rule
- Dave Zabriskie's Yield to Life
- Alleycat races
- Paris-Nice/ASO/UCI/Astana
- Rock Racing (still looking for gear to go on sale!)
- Donna's little opinion about Tour of Cali
- Our bike/riding tips
We dedicated this show to the late, great Sheldon Brown.
I'm listening to the show right now, but it's not over yet. David says that he added some bloopers to the end...I can only imagine...yikes! I'm sure they are fun (right, David?). Regardless, it was a good show - go on over and listen! Make sure to let us know what you think - either here or over on The Spokesmen site.
Update: Hey, Masiguy...you have to listen to the end...to the bloopers...past the static and giggles...
Because life happens, there were only three of us, but it wasn't for lack of trying - Tim Grahl had some wacky computer problems, Tim Jackson was on a plane with his knees up near his chest and Carlton had a technology meltdown (not his, but his provider). But, David, Richard and I got up early (ok, not so early for me, but wicked early for Richard on the West Coast) and had some fun together. I always think I sound like a dork, but David and Richard sound fabulous, as always.
Some of the topics on Episode #27:
- Tragic accident this weekend in northern California
- Accident in Tucson with deputy hitting group ride
- Utah cyclists press charges under 3-foot rule
- Dave Zabriskie's Yield to Life
- Alleycat races
- Paris-Nice/ASO/UCI/Astana
- Rock Racing (still looking for gear to go on sale!)
- Donna's little opinion about Tour of Cali
- Our bike/riding tips
We dedicated this show to the late, great Sheldon Brown.
I'm listening to the show right now, but it's not over yet. David says that he added some bloopers to the end...I can only imagine...yikes! I'm sure they are fun (right, David?). Regardless, it was a good show - go on over and listen! Make sure to let us know what you think - either here or over on The Spokesmen site.
Update: Hey, Masiguy...you have to listen to the end...to the bloopers...past the static and giggles...
Monday, February 18, 2008
Foul Mood - Caution Rant Ahead
If you are a reader of this blog, y'all know that I've been at the Dealer Expo this week so I haven't had a chance to follow the build up to the Tour of California. Yesterday I did get in a short post wishing my friend Tyler Hamilton well in his return to US racing. Last night when I went to look at the results I couldn't find him and then I had an email from a friend saying that she saw he was left off the roster. That was curious, but I knew that it was really early in the season for him and maybe he just wasn't ready.
Oh no....after a little reading this morning I find that he was left off the roster because he and two others "were not approved entry because of a possible open doping investigation." Excuse me? Because they might be investigated again. Ok, I've had enough. Finally. I'm done. I love the fact that Cipo is back. I truly love the sport and if Tyler is racing somewhere that I can get to, I'll go and support him 100%, but as for the rest of it, I'm done.
From Michael Ball, team owner of Rock Racing about this whole thing..."This is not a decision governed by the agreement. There is no open investigation. AEG is acting irrationally to the detriment of the sport."
Let me preface all of this with I want clean cycling. Very clean. I have no issues with logical, legal methods to getting cycling clean.
I wrote about this last month when I was appalled at the new regulations at the Tour of California. According to the ToC organizers we do not live in the United States where you are innocent until proven guilty. According to the ToC organizers, they are dictators and decide who should be able to race and who shouldn't. Not the governing bodies of sport, but them. That is just WRONG! Can I make that any more clear? Yes, ok, disclaimer again, I consider Tyler a friend. However, I can make the same argument here for Santiago Botero and Oscar Sevilla who were also banned from this "event" without ever having met them.
This Operation Puerto "investigation" has reared its ugly head conveniently before a major tour more times than I care to count. After the tour is over, it goes away. They have some "evidence", but nothing they have been able to prove for YEARS now people. If it's there, then go after those riders. Please. Do. If it isn't, let's get this gone and move on. YEARS have gone by with this now. When does this one "investigation" end? Or will it loom for Tours for YEARS more to come?
So, they might open the investigation again...and they MIGHT find someone guilty of doping. MAYBE. But, it has been YEARS and the folks they are talking about in Cali haven't been charged with anything. Now, a lot of you say "yet" at the end of that sentance. And, you may very well be right, but the fact of the matter is that WE DO NOT KNOW. So...why shouldn't they race? Seriously.
Yea, ok, go ahead and tell me that Tyler has been banned before and that it "proves" he "probably" had something to do with Operation Puerto. Again, United States here people. Don't forget that. Tyler did his time, just like David Millar. Tyler is cleared to race by the governing body. Tyler is still cleared to race by the governing body. So are Oscar and Santiago. Who is the ToC to say differently? Because they "MIGHT" have "something" to do with a years old investigation? Really? Well, any one of those guys in that field "might" have an infraction at some point in their career - even this year. But nobody knows....just like we don't know if any of those guys kicked out of the ToC, before it even started, will. Their name is on a list. There might be some evidence that is years old, maybe, but not proven. Yet, they can't race. That is WRONG.
And then there is the whole Astana mess with the Tour de France. Yea, that works for me, too...
I'm done. Done. Give me family cycling. Give me riding with my friends. Give me kids cycling. Give me rides for charities. Do not expect me to get behind pro cycling until this ridiculousness ends. Skull and Crossbones for the Rock Racing team? Good deal - get me some of that gear!
Oh no....after a little reading this morning I find that he was left off the roster because he and two others "were not approved entry because of a possible open doping investigation." Excuse me? Because they might be investigated again. Ok, I've had enough. Finally. I'm done. I love the fact that Cipo is back. I truly love the sport and if Tyler is racing somewhere that I can get to, I'll go and support him 100%, but as for the rest of it, I'm done.
From Michael Ball, team owner of Rock Racing about this whole thing..."This is not a decision governed by the agreement. There is no open investigation. AEG is acting irrationally to the detriment of the sport."
Let me preface all of this with I want clean cycling. Very clean. I have no issues with logical, legal methods to getting cycling clean.
I wrote about this last month when I was appalled at the new regulations at the Tour of California. According to the ToC organizers we do not live in the United States where you are innocent until proven guilty. According to the ToC organizers, they are dictators and decide who should be able to race and who shouldn't. Not the governing bodies of sport, but them. That is just WRONG! Can I make that any more clear? Yes, ok, disclaimer again, I consider Tyler a friend. However, I can make the same argument here for Santiago Botero and Oscar Sevilla who were also banned from this "event" without ever having met them.
This Operation Puerto "investigation" has reared its ugly head conveniently before a major tour more times than I care to count. After the tour is over, it goes away. They have some "evidence", but nothing they have been able to prove for YEARS now people. If it's there, then go after those riders. Please. Do. If it isn't, let's get this gone and move on. YEARS have gone by with this now. When does this one "investigation" end? Or will it loom for Tours for YEARS more to come?
So, they might open the investigation again...and they MIGHT find someone guilty of doping. MAYBE. But, it has been YEARS and the folks they are talking about in Cali haven't been charged with anything. Now, a lot of you say "yet" at the end of that sentance. And, you may very well be right, but the fact of the matter is that WE DO NOT KNOW. So...why shouldn't they race? Seriously.
Yea, ok, go ahead and tell me that Tyler has been banned before and that it "proves" he "probably" had something to do with Operation Puerto. Again, United States here people. Don't forget that. Tyler did his time, just like David Millar. Tyler is cleared to race by the governing body. Tyler is still cleared to race by the governing body. So are Oscar and Santiago. Who is the ToC to say differently? Because they "MIGHT" have "something" to do with a years old investigation? Really? Well, any one of those guys in that field "might" have an infraction at some point in their career - even this year. But nobody knows....just like we don't know if any of those guys kicked out of the ToC, before it even started, will. Their name is on a list. There might be some evidence that is years old, maybe, but not proven. Yet, they can't race. That is WRONG.
And then there is the whole Astana mess with the Tour de France. Yea, that works for me, too...
I'm done. Done. Give me family cycling. Give me riding with my friends. Give me kids cycling. Give me rides for charities. Do not expect me to get behind pro cycling until this ridiculousness ends. Skull and Crossbones for the Rock Racing team? Good deal - get me some of that gear!
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Lion King to Roar Again
What's been rumored for a couple of weeks now is official - Mario Cipollini is coming out of retirement to race again. Better still....he's part of a team that will be racing quite a bit in the US so many fans here may get the chance to see him and all of his funky skin suits streaking past us. C'mon, wasn't it fun to see what crazy design he'd be wearing each day of Le Tour? Not what Le Tour is about, I know, but a fun side piece on the day's serious racing.
Yes, I know he's about to be 41 and yes, I know the team is controversial, but people, it's Mario Cipollini. There is nothing bad about that. That statement is more than just from some chick's perspective. Think about it from the side of what the sport of cycling needs right now. There isn't anything bad about Mario coming back - he's flashy, he's fun to watch, he's usually got something entertaining to say and he's darn talented. The sport needs some fun right about now and, especially in the US, the sport needs someone to draw in fans. With his flamboyance and talent, Mario may just be the person to do that. He'll certainly get attention for his new team, Rock Racing.
On a side note, does anyone else think that it's pretty ironic that Mario, the fashion king, will be racing for a team where the main sponsor is a "trendy clothing company", Rock & Republic? Do I see cross advertising in the future? Oh yea.
I was already a fan of this team because Michael Ball is giving my friend Tyler a second chance. That's all the reason I need to get back out to a race, chalk the roads and cheer like a maniac. Adding The Lion King to the team? Bonus. When can I buy team merchandise and where are they all racing first? I'm going to try to be at whatever race that is...see you on the roads soon!
Yes, I know he's about to be 41 and yes, I know the team is controversial, but people, it's Mario Cipollini. There is nothing bad about that. That statement is more than just from some chick's perspective. Think about it from the side of what the sport of cycling needs right now. There isn't anything bad about Mario coming back - he's flashy, he's fun to watch, he's usually got something entertaining to say and he's darn talented. The sport needs some fun right about now and, especially in the US, the sport needs someone to draw in fans. With his flamboyance and talent, Mario may just be the person to do that. He'll certainly get attention for his new team, Rock Racing.
On a side note, does anyone else think that it's pretty ironic that Mario, the fashion king, will be racing for a team where the main sponsor is a "trendy clothing company", Rock & Republic? Do I see cross advertising in the future? Oh yea.
I was already a fan of this team because Michael Ball is giving my friend Tyler a second chance. That's all the reason I need to get back out to a race, chalk the roads and cheer like a maniac. Adding The Lion King to the team? Bonus. When can I buy team merchandise and where are they all racing first? I'm going to try to be at whatever race that is...see you on the roads soon!
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