Micheal Ball’s Rock Racing team submitted paperwork for a Continental license to the UCI . The UCI is to review the application and decide by Wednesday if the team will be granted a license. Earlier this year Rock Racing’s application for Pro Continental team status was rejected.
The UCI said in a statement that the rejection of their Pro Continental license 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.
Oscar Sevilla and Victor Hugo Pena have both signed contracts to race for Rock Racing in 2010, however there is an escape clause in their contract that allows them to look elsewhere in the event that the team is not given Continental status.
“My signature does not mean that we are with Rock Racing. If the Continental status goes we are allowed to seek other options,” Sevilla told El Tiempo.
At this point Sevilla is uncertain of the true status of the team.”I am a little skeptical of everything that has happened. I train every day waiting for what will happen. There is talk of something in Mexico and Murcia, but we have nothing confirmed,” he said.
Also affected is Floyd Landis who has been racing in a Rock Racing kit. Recently Landis competed in the Tour of the Bahamas, setting a course record in the time trial and then this past weekend placing second in the Boulevard road race in San Diego county.
With paperwork submitted, it’s now in the UCI’s hands whether Rock Racing is allowed to race in 2010.