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Rock Racing has announced that they are breaking ties with world champion Mario Cipollini effective immediately.

Rumors have been circulating for weeks about the tenuous relationship between team owner Michael Ball and Cipollini, and even on the final day of the Tour of California there was evidence of discontent.

Michael has released the following statement about the situation between the Rock Racing Team and 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.”

Could this be the first signs of an avalanche at Rock Racing? Rumors of layoffs among the Rock Racing staff and rider discontent have been circulating the Los Angeles area for weeks and the riders are all but struggling to hide their bad moods at local races. Could Rock Racing’s slogan “Here to Stay” be heading for the history books?

Bicycle.net will keep you updated on the rumors that Mario may be heading back to Italy to race for his former team Tinkoff Credit this weekend.

More Bicycle.net coverage on Rock Racing, Mario Cipollini, the Tour of California