Culver City, Calif. — Rock Racing makes its international racing debut at the 58th annual Vuelta a Colombia, a 14-stage race that begins Saturday in Barrancabermeja, Colombia.

Santiago Botero, the race’s defending champion, will lead Rock Racing’s eight-rider squad that includes Oscar Sevilla, Victor Hugo Peña, Tyler Hamilton, Kayle Leogrande, Jeremiah Wiscovitch, Adam Switters and Sergio Hernandez.

Rock Racing Team Owner Michael Ball said the team is looking forward to its first race outside of the United States.

“We have put together a formidable squad that will help Santiago defend his title,” Ball said. “This race also gives us a chance to meet some of our international fans, who have been clamoring to watch us race in person all season.”

Widely considered to be one of the most challenging stage races in the world because of its high-altitude race finishes, past Vuelta a Colombia champions include Tour de France stage winners Fabio Parra (1981, 1992), Luis Herrera (1984-86, 1988) and Oliverio Rincón (1989).

The race begins with a 5.2-mile (8.4 km) prologue time trial and also features a 10-mile (16 km) individual time trial up a mountain on Sunday, May 18. Last year, Botero won both time trials.

— RRC—

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Elevation Sports & Entertainment | Rock Racing
Sean Weide, 402.541.2594 | pr@rockracing.com