Bike World News

(c) Alex Aguirre

Rock Racing stamped its authority on another stage race Saturday when Oscar Sevilla captured the overall title at the Vuelta a Chihuahua.

Sevilla’s win in Mexico adds to victories by Rock Racing at three other stage races this year: the Vuelta a Asturias (Francisco Mancebo), Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic (Sevilla) and Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah (Mancebo).

Not bad for a team many were writing off even before the 2009 season was underway, Team Owner Michael Ball said.

“This has been a spectacular year for us and we’re not done yet,” Ball said, referring to Rock Racing’s five-rider squad that is readying for Sunday’s start of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour in Australia.

“I am so proud of the teamwork and unselfish attitude on this team,” Ball added. “Francisco certainly would have liked to have won this race for a third straight time but he and the rest of the guys rode their butts off to make it happen for Oscar.”

Rock Racing Director Sportif Rudy Pevenage ensured Sevilla was in no danger of losing his six-second lead over Gregorio Ladino (Tecos Trek) by having Rock Racing ride the front for much of the 72-mile (118 km) race from Delicias to Chihuahua. In the end, Javier Benitez (Contentpolis-AMPO) took his third stage of the race by winning the field sprint.

Sevilla’s win was his fourth of the season, adding to the overall title he won in July at the Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic and a stage win at that race and one at the Vuelta a Asturias in Spain in April.

“This really was more of a win for the team than one for me,” Sevilla said. “I could not have done it without the help of my teammates. It was also great that Michael Ball was down here for the last stage. That made it all the more special.”

Rock Racing also celebrated David Vitoria’s win in the sprint classification, adding to the King of the Mountain jersey he won at the Vuelta Mexico Telmex in March.

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