Culver City, Calif. — The most dynamic and compelling team in professional cycling will apparently not be part of this year’s Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T.

Rock Racing was not listed among the 15 teams that were announced Thursday by Medalist Sports, organizers of the six-day, 660-mile stage race that begins April 21.

The announcement caught Rock Racing Team Owner Michael Ball by surprise.

“We were under the impression that we were racing and we took Medalist at their word,” Ball said. “They said they were going to field 16 teams if we were willing to pay our own way. In order to race, Medalist did want us to pay for all of our expenses and housing. We were willing to do that so we could race.”

Ball said the news that Rock Racing will not be able to field a line-up for the Tour de Georgia that would have included a former Tour de France stage winner, an Olympic champion and a world road race champion is disappointing in a number of ways.

“Not only is this situation frustrating for our riders and staff, but it is also short-changing the cycling fans who want to see the best race possible,” Ball said. “We appreciate the support we are getting from people who are calling and e-mailing us.”

Rock Racing was impressive at the Amgen Tour of California in February, scoring seven top 10 finishes during the seven-stage, 650-mile race. Rock Racing was one of only three teams – and the only non-ProTour team to complete the race with its full squad. But unlike the CSC and Rabobank squads, Rock Racing began the race with only five riders (instead of eight) after race organizer AEG declared that three of its riders– American Tyler Hamilton, Colombian Santiago Botero and Oscar Sevilla ­– would not be able to start.

To date in 2008, the team has won three races and registered nine podium finishes.

Next up for Rock Racing is the San Dimas Stage Race, March 28-30, in San Dimas, Calif.

— RRC —

ABOUT ROCK RACING:
Rock Racing is an eclectic team of powerful, world-class athletes who are redefining professional cycling through incredible teamwork and a flamboyant flair never before seen in the pro peloton. Created in 2007 and sponsored by Rock & Republic CEO and Creative Director Michael Ball, the team rapidly became a fan favorite through its thrilling racing action, cunning tactics and winning tradition. It also redefined the look of the pro cycling team uniform with jerseys and shorts that seemingly changed from race to race. In 2008, Rock Racing hits the road with a singular vision: to be the No. 1 cycling team in the United States. The team competes in UCI and USA Cycling-sanctioned races on both the road and track and will be represented at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Additionally, Rock Racing sponsors successful women’s and junior racing teams that are making headlines on a local level and paving the way for a bright future for the sport.