Michael Ball runs the Rock Racing team. (Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Since December rumours about the Rock Racing team have been plentiful – with riders coming and going, the team retracting its Pro Continental UCI license and talk of the team for sale, folding or merely downsizing. Cyclingnewsrecently interviewed Aussie Baden Cooke who had previous been linked with the team for 2009. However, in the interview he claimed that team owner Michael Ball made false promises about his contract, from a two-year deal with ample European racing down to a six-month contract of mostly American races, and was planning to sue. Ball spoke exclusively with Cyclingnews'North American Editor Mark Zalewski about this and the other rumours.
"These rumours that have been around, the demise of the team, they are untrue... that is absolutely false," said Ball from the start. However, in response to Cooke's claim in which Ball is now funding the team for only six months out of his own pocket while he looks for additional funding sources, he said, "That is certainly true. I am looking for a co-sponsor."
"We are in some good talks with some strong brands that are interested. Their budgets don't open for a few months and that is fine, as I said I am committed to the sport and will underwrite the team. But there is only so much that I am able to do, that I can do."
