Return of the Lion King

[alchemist]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2008/feb08/feb16news2

[Thingymabob]

Sweet, i cant wait to see what outfits he comes out with this times. Especially seeing as its a fashion label that owns the team. :D

http://www.cyclingnews.com/newsphotos.php?id=/photos/2008/news/feb08/feb16news2/CIPOLLINI-CALI9837

Hamilton and Cipo crusing the town, there are so many things wrong with that photo.

[alexb618]

hes been sacked from rock racing

[dunk]

Well that will make it easier to ride for Tinkoff now:D

[alchemist]

Sacked? Or jumped? Your POV probably depends if you are a Michael Ball fan.

[setonz]

Certainly not a Ball fan.. would be great to see Cipo back in the pro peleton!

[ducan]

CIPO in the pro tour would be heaps fun to watch. Cant wait to see this year unfold !

Excuse me for my ignorence but why did Mario C. ever stop racing or not but in the tour etc. sort of vanished





EDIT: Just read sentence 2 in the link ha. retirement obviously! sorry

[alexb618]

some comments i have read :

"From Michael Ball, Rock Racing Team Owner, regarding Mario Cipollini:

“From a business perspective and from an overall team standpoint, the relationship between Mario Cipollini and Rock Racing was not advantageous, and would not work long-term. We have terminated his contract and wish him luck in future endeavors.”"

The rumor is that he was pretty frustrated by the organization (or lack thereof) from the team. Someone I know saw him in a bike store buying his own rain gear and gloves for the ToC because the team didn't have everything. Also, the team members had to ride their own time trial bikes in the prologue because they weren't supplied any. Cipo had a rebadged aluminum Specialized and I saw another Rock Racing member riding a Scott (I think) with duct tape over the logos.


I rode with some Rock guys a few days ago. Their story was that Cipo was always against Botero/Sevilla/Hamilton being on the team, said he couldn't get invites to Europe for the team because of them, and thought it was bad for his own image to be associated with them, and finally gave up trying to convince Ball about it.

[at the drive in]

Excuse me for my ignorence but why did Mario C. ever stop racing or not but in the tour etc. sort of vanished

Cipo stop riding the tour a few years before he retired as his team wasnt allowed to compete unless he promised to ride the whole tour and grab a handful of wins in the flat stages and then retire.

[beatlloydy]

Yes..love him or hate him he certainly added a bit of spice to the tour...just couldnt be bothered doing any serious hill work....I think he would have more respect if he had tried to finish a tour or two...Love or hate our own Robbie..at least he finishes the tour.

In any case, I have an old Selle San Marco Lion King Saddle which I will have to resurrect on my commuter bike in recognition of his return.