In a stunning announcement Eddy Merckx has announced today that he would be making a return to the Pro peleton with the Rock Racing Team. Controversial owner Michael Ball said “As many know we were in negotiations with Axel to replace Cippo who made the biggest mistake of his career by leaving Rock Racing. Anyway I bumped into Eddy who was waiting outside to drive Axel home and we got to talking. He (Eddy) thinks the current generation of riders are soft and he wants to come back and give them a little Cannibal style beat down. I immediately saw the value in this, Eddy is the greatest cyclist ever and I am the greatest maker of pants ever. Slam dunk.” Merckx added, “After I win Flanders and Roubaix I will focus on the grand tours where I will win the overall but also all the jerseys, except the young rider jersey.”

ASO (the promoter of A Tour de France) immediately dis invited Rock Racing from A Tour de France, despite the fact that Rock racing was not invited to in the first place. Upon hearing the news team owner Ball said “You know what? I am going to put on my own Tour de France and it will be bigger, cooler, and have hotter podium girls. Oh, and it will be in Malibu.”

Brother Ball?  Yes that is right Brother Ball.  The Big Ring is all about redemption.  The Rock Racing team presented by Michael Ball, featuring Michael Ball is getting a lot of ink and talk time here at the headquarters of TCOTBR.  I call him Brother because he is our brother.  The Big Ring welcomes all types of riders.  Our love of the velo is the common thread.  Here is a quote from the man:

“Cycling brought structure, focus and direction to my life,” said Michael Ball, CEO and head designer for Rock & Republic. “Rock Racing is eager for the opportunity to be involved with a race of this caliber, further expanding our brand into an area that I am personally passionate about.”

It is pretty clear the guy loves bikes and he is putting up some serious cash to support his love.  Is he an easy target to make fun of?  Definetly.  The guy says some really stupid stuff and damn, that bike is fugly.  Some of the riders he has hired have sinned, no question.  Hopefully they are clean now.  Redemption folks, we all could use some.  Is he really as big a douche as the media makes him out to be, or is his persona just a ploy to get headlines?  I don’t know, never met the guy, but he does ride so I could probably have a good conversation with him. 

Will I continue to make fun of Rock Racing?  Yes, as long as they keep making it so easy.  I really do hope they can stay out of real trouble and stay around for a while.  It is just too much fun to watch.

If you have not checked out the Forums you should, there is some good stuff from you fellow Big Ringers.  Read El Hammermeister’s entry in “What does The Big Ring mean to you”, inspiring words indeed.