Ivan Dominguez will get a shot at racing in Europe with Rock Racing. (Image credit: Kurt Jambretz)
Ivan Dominguez, 32, has been one of the most successful sprinters in North American racing for the past six years. His story is truly American, coming from the very bottom when he defected from Cuba to the United States ten years ago after success as a track racer for the national team. Since then he has risen through the top professional teams, winning major races along the way. Dominguez could see the biggest changes in his career in 2009 as he joins the Rock Racing team, including his first shot at racing in Europe and with US citizenship almost complete. Cyclingnews' Mark Zalewski spoke with him about the changes.
The Cuban Missile, as race announcers like to call Ivan Dominguez, shocked the cycling world recently... Well, shocked his cycling 'friends' in the online world that were part of his Facebook and MySpace pages. With his current Toyota-United team folding without a sponsor, and no contract signed for next year, he posted his status as retired from cycling.
"A few days ago I put on my Facebook and MySpace that I had no team for next year, I was going to stop racing and move on. I was just joking, but I had so many e-mails from people saying they couldn't believe it. 'Oh, no way, how can you stop?! We need you!' I had to go back and change it right away."
