The Origins: Michael Ball and the Birth of Rock Racing (2007–2010)

Rock Racing wasn’t born in a marketing department.

It was created by Michael Ball, founder of Rock & Republic, the Los Angeles denim brand that became a global phenomenon during the 2000s. In 2007, Ball brought that same disruptive energy into professional cycling. The result was Rock Racing — a team, a brand, and a movement that challenged the conventions of the sport.

Custom-built bikes. Aggressive designs. Unconventional marketing.
And a roster featuring riders such as Oscar Sevilla and Floyd Landis, athletes capable of competing at the highest level of international cycling. To many fans, Rock Racing represented something larger than racing itself.

It stood for independence.
For individuality.
For refusing to follow the crowd.

The brand quickly became recognized for its bold identity and distinctive style, attracting cyclists who saw themselves as outsiders rather than followers. During those years, Rock Racing apparel, accessories and merchandise reached riders across the world and helped establish a unique visual culture within cycling. What Michael Ball created was more than a cycling team. He created an attitude. And that attitude would outlive the team itself.

Keeping the Spirit Alive (2011–2023)

When the original Rock Racing team disappeared from professional cycling, the story did not end.

The races were gone.
The spotlight moved elsewhere.
But the identity that had inspired thousands of riders continued to resonate within the cycling community.

In Europe, one of the people who believed most strongly in that identity was Roberto Tronconi.

Having worked in apparel manufacturing and product development, Tronconi saw an opportunity to preserve the spirit of Rock Racing for a new generation of riders. Throughout the following years, the project evolved through different collaborations, commercial initiatives, distributors, and market challenges.

The path was never straightforward.

The cycling industry changed.
Consumer habits changed.
The market became increasingly crowded.

Yet the core idea remained the same:

cycling should be expressive,
independent,
and driven by personality rather than conformity.

While many brands focused on trends, performance metrics, and corporate marketing, a small community continued to keep the Rock Racing attitude alive through products, events, online communities, and everyday riders who identified with its message. Those years were not defined by growth. They were defined by resilience. The goal was simple: to ensure that the spirit that Michael Ball had created would not disappear. And despite every challenge, it didn’t.

The rebirth (2025–TODAY)

Rock Racing is entering a new chapter. Not as a replica of the past.
Not as an attempt to recreate a moment in time. But as the natural evolution of an idea that refused to disappear. After years of change, uncertainty, and transformation, the project is being rebuilt around the values that defined Rock Racing from the beginning:

independence, authenticity, creativity, and the freedom to follow your own path.

Today, Rock Racing returns with a renewed focus on cycling apparel, product quality, and a clear visual identity inspired by the rebellious spirit that made the brand memorable.

The relaunch of rockracing.com marks an important milestone in that journey.

More than a website, it represents a meeting point for riders who share the same mindset: those who ride because they love cycling,
those who value individuality,
and those who refuse to follow every trend. The new collections are built around that philosophy. Not designed for everyone. Designed for those who prefer character over conformity. For those who understand that style is part of performance. And that freedom is part of sport.

The journey that began in 2007 continues today with a new generation of riders.

Different roads. Different challenges.

The same attitude.

Never Give Up. Never Surrender.

Welcome back to Rock Racing.

-RT