No license upgrade for Rock Racing

Taking a strategic look at its goals for 2009, Rock Racing made the decision to stick with its UCI Continental Team status for next season instead of upgrading to the UCI Professional Continental level.

USA Cycling's Shawn Farrell had confirmed Rock Racing's application to continue its licensing at the same level. Then Team Owner Michael Ball explained why on Saturday.

"After completing the necessary steps, and weighing the pros and cons of acquiring a UCI Pro Continental License... Rock Racing has determined that a UCI Pro Continental status is not central to furthering our goals for racing internationally, and we are choosing to take a different approach."

"The strength of our roster and the excitement we bring to cycling events worldwide will determine our racing calendar," said Ball.

After Garmin-Chipotle decided to step up to the ProTour level and BMC made the move to a Professional Continental license, Rock Racing remains one of just 12 American men's UCI Continental team licenses, two fewer such teams than last year.