Cipo to ride in California?

By Susan Westemeyer

Will Mario Cipollini celebrate his return to the pro peloton with Team Rock Racing after all? Sportwereld has reported that the sprint star and former world champion is expected to be at the start of the Tour of California's prologue on Sunday.

According to the Belgian website, he received his license from the Monaco cycling federation Wednesday evening and was to fly to California Thursday, where he is expected to sign a contract with the American Continental team, owned by the controversial Michael Ball.

Under the contract, "The Lion King" would ride about 15 races in the US this year for the team, and then serve as team manager for an additional four years, according to Sportwereld.

It was announced last month that the 40 year-old would sign with Rock Racing, but difficulties later cropped up, throwing the plan into doubt.