In November of last year VeloNation reported that the financial problems with the then Contentpolis-AMPO team had been resolved through funding secured by a sponsorship with the Murcia region of Spain. Now according to EsCiclismo.com, the Murcia region has partnered with Michael Ball’s Rock Racing team to form Rock Racing-Murcia. The team is apparently preparing to register with a Mexican Continental license.
Earlier this month the International Cycling Union’s (UCI) Management Committee refused Rock Racing’s appeal for a Pro Continental license. The UCI said in a statement that the decision was taken based on dossiers that the teams had presented to them, along with advice from their auditors Ernst & Young. They also clarified that all appeals were done in accordance with Article 2.16.017 of the UCI Regulations.
In 2009 the Rock Racing team included Spaniards Franciso Mancebo, Oscar Sevilla, David Martin and José Enrique Gutiérrez, so the fact that they have reportedly been in contact with Murcia for several weeks does not come as a complete surprise. According to the website, Colombian Victor Hugo Peña, Kiwi Glen Chadwik and American Floyd Landis, who recently left Team OUCH, will be a part of the team for 2010.
Due to their Continental status, UCI rules state that the majority of the riders must be from the country where the team has its registration. It must also have a minimum of eight riders with a maximum of sixteen.
Murcia’s role in the project is to provide assistance with logistics for the team’s European campaign. The reported plan is for Ball and Murcia to continue their partnership and gain Pro-Continental status for the 2011 season.