Mancebo back in the big time?

Francisco Mancebo took the overall title

Francisco Mancebo took the overall title (Image credit: Wenceslao Rodriguez/ WRS IMAGENES)

After taking the overall title with a commanding performance in the Vuelta a Chihuahua, Francisco Mancebo could be back in the spotlight if contract negotiations with Rock Racing are fruitful.

With the US-based team of Michael Ball looking to continue a path of growth next season, should Mancebo sign with the team he could be competing in events such as the Tour of Georgia and Tour of California with the likes of Tyler Hamilton by his side.

The Spaniard, who has ridden for teams such as iBanesto and AG2R Prévoyance in the past, went into 2006 as one of the favourites for that year's Tour de France. He was excluded from competition by the management of AG2R just days before the Tour began after it was revealed that there was an alleged link between himself and the Operación Puerto case in Spain.

This prompted him to 'retire' from the sport. He returned to racing with the now-defunct Spanish pro continental squad Relax-GAM in 2007, although he was forced to find another team after the dissolution of that outfit following a torrid season of doping scandals.

He joined his current team, Fercase-Paredes Rota dos Moveis, for the 2008 season and may now be on his way to bigger things after several solid performances this year.

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