After months of rumours and speculation, it appears that Italian sprinter

Mario Cipollini has signed onto the Rock Racing team as rider/manager for

2008.  Whoa!  What "Super Mario's" role will be with the team is yet

undetermined, but one thing is for sure, the US domestic professional racing

scene just got a whole lot more interesting.

The 2002 World Champion can certainly pedal a bike and even at the age of 40,

he will shortly turn 41, he will undoubtedly be capable of winning races in

America.  But, more importantly, he is a showman.  A rider of "rock star"

quality who brings charisma and presence just by showing up.  From his

outrageous cycling attire to the time he left the Tour of Spain prematurely so

he could be a judge at the Miss Italy competition this guys makes headlines

both on and off the bike.

Does the US domestic scene need "il Leone" as Cipo is known to his Italian

tifosi?  With all the doping scandals running rampant through the cycling

community Mario just could be the breath of fresh air to get people's minds

thinking the glass is half full and not half empty.  We need to be reminded

of why cycling is such a great sport, not only in which to participate, but

also to watch.

Mario's wins in both the Giro, where he holds the all-time record for stage

victories, and the Tour de France are things of beauty, executed with style

and perfection.  One question that still lingers is if the Rock Racing team

can assemble an effective leadout train with which to deliver the flamboyant

Italian to the line.  My guess is with a marquee name like Cipollini on your

squad, you go get support for the kick to the finish.

Cipo's signing fills a couple of roles for Rock Racing.  The team is in dire

need of a director sportif after the recent departure of Frankie Andreu.  Also,

with the parity among the US domestic pro teams having a bunch sprinter is

almost mandatory if you want to win races.  Unfortunately, Cipo's lack of

knowledge of the US race courses, the only race he has ridden in America is the

Tour of Georgia, may provide a steep learning curve if he is called on to lead

the squad from the team car.  At 40, his best days are probably behind him

which means that he will most likely not be a candidate to ride the more

difficult stage races or hilly one-day events.

My guess is that we will see Cipo at the upcoming Tour of California behind the

wheel of a Rock Racing vehicle and not in the saddle.  Given the rumours of how

he drives around Italy, even that scenario is sure to give race fans, and race

officials, something to talk about.   Benvenuto in America Mario!

Bruce

ps - what do you all out there think about Mario coming to America?