With no response to requests for more information from the team's press officer, VeloNation - like many others - has as yet been unable to confirm the Rock Racing partnership with the Murcia region of Spain, as reported earlier this week by EsCiclismo.com. One of the top riders on the team, Spaniard Oscar Sevilla, said today that he too is unsure of its future, admitting there are several rumors floating around, including the reports that it will be registered in Mexico.
"At the moment we know nothing. We've talked with people from the team and they say it will continue, but I have not signed a contract, either as professional or as Continental [team]," he told El Tiempo.
Earlier this month the International Cycling Union's (UCI) Management Committee denied Rock Racing's appeal for a Pro Continental license. A decision the UCI said was taken based on dossiers that the teams had presented to them, along with advice from their auditors Ernst & Young. The decision handed down by the UCI has again puts the future of the team owned by fashion designer Michael Ball in doubt.
Sevilla confirmed that he has several offers that he will consider if the Rock Racing team is not here to stay, but since it's so late in the game he admitted there aren't many opportunities left. As a last resort, the Spaniard said he would ride for a small Colombian outfit.
The answer on Rock Racing's future is expected soon and, if a Mexican license is the route they take, it will likely mean that Sevilla, Victor Hugo Pena, Glen Chadwick, Francisco Mancebo and Floyd Landis will all remain a part of the team, along with Mexican Ignacio Sarabia, Luis Fernando Macías, Juan Pablo Magallanes and Moises Aldape.
The Mexican license would also mean the departure of several riders since more than 50 percent of the team is required by UCI rules to be Mexican citizens. With a maximum of 16 riders allowed on Continental teams it could mean Freddy Rodriguez, David Martin, Florentino Marquez, Tony Cruz, Mauro Richeze, Patrick McCarthy and Jose Enrique Gutierrez will all be left out in the cold.