Climbing specialist Eladio Jimenez looks set to compete with the Rock Racing team in 2010, joining up with fellow Spaniards Oscar Sevilla and Francisco Mancebo there.
The former Vuelta a España stage winner previously competed with the Banesto and Comunidad Valenciana squads, but has been racing for smaller teams since he was temporarily implicated in Operación Puerto. He was with the Portuguese Centro Ciclismo de Loule outfit this season.
“We had a verbal agreement with Eladio, but nothing was in writing,” said team directeur sportif Jorge Piedade to Jornalciclismo. “Rock Racing came up with a better proposal and of course the rider is not with us. However, soon we will announce a suitable replacement.”
Jimenez won a stage and finished sixth overall in the Vuelta a Portugal this year. He’ll hope to have a wider programme of racing next season, although much will depend on Rock’s financial status. The team was under pressure in 2009 and fired several riders.
Others confirmed or rumoured to be moving to the team next year include Antonio Cruz, Moises Aldape and Floyd Landis.