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This afternoon VeloGuy had the opportunity to sit in on a teleconference with none other than the controversial Michael Ball, the owner of Rock Racing Professional cycling team. The following are a few interesting answers Michael gave to the reporters questions.

First question: seems like the continuing trend of things being a hassle for Rock Racing hasn’t let up yet. His answer: Its both positive and negative. It is hard to understand why things is such a hassle. Last year they became a team to watch, and this year the Tour of California helped them create the brand to watch.

Tony Cruz of BMC told Me what rock racing is doing is great. Even with all of the hassle, our message is getting out.

Next Question: He was asked about Pat McQuaid and what he thought of what he said. (That they need to work within the establishment): The thing that we need to really do, is not dip into the riders’ past, lets focus on the riders’ present. We need to push to make cycling sexy, and bring more dollars in to grow the sport.

Next Question: He was asked about the competition in the Tour of Georgia; He said that if Levi Leipheimer and Alberto Contador show up, it is going to be awesome race.

Next Question: Were there any conditions on you getting into the Tour of Georgia? We were asked not to freak them out.

Next Question: About the team environment going into the Tour of Georgia: He said, we are all for one, and one for all. Botero is going to be the captain. Sevilla is going to be a factor and Tyler Hamilton is ready to work for his team.

VeloGuy asked Michael, you’ve done a very good job to get accepted by the fans and the other riders in the peleton, what are you doing to get accepted by companies like Medalist Sports?
He said: Create partnerships that will put cycling on the charts. Its not much different than the fashion industry. First they hated me, now they respect me.

He was asked whether Medalist Sports has a problem with the three riders banned from the Tour of California. He answered that they had no problem with Botero, Hamilton and Sevilla.

One More Question: Where do you see Rock Racing in two years? Pro Tour Team. We expect to be a factor in the Tour de France.

When the questions were done, Michael told us that he had signed a deal with Yamaha Motors. The first time that a motorcycle manufacturer had sponsored cycling.