(for PodiumCafe.com)
Rock Racing’s owner Michael Ball today called the last-minute inclusion in the 2008 Tour de Georgia “a new beginning” for the team. While he emphasized his commitment to bringing more “entertainment” to pro cycling, he did note that fans won’t be seeing a repeat of the spectacle seen at the Tour of California. 
Medalist Sports, the TdG’s promoter, hasn’t set any special conditions on the team’s participation, but Ball did acknowledge that Medalist asked that Rock Racing “conduct [itself] in a way that doesn’t freak [Medalist] out.” and that he was planning to respect that.
Ball also talked a bit about team strategy, labeling Santiago Botero as the team’s captain and GC hope. If things don’t work out for Botero, Oscar Sevilla is expected to step in. Tyler Hamilton, who hasn’t raced since last year’s TdG, will be dedicated to supporting Botero and Sevilla. Freddy Rodriguez will be hunting for sprint stage wins, having bagged one last year.
Asked about Cesar Grajales’ absence from the roster, Ball told Podium Café that Grajales had injured his knee at training camp earlier this year, and is currently recovering at home in Columbia. The plan is that Grajales will be ready for the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic in May.
When asked if the team’s inclusion at the TdG created expectations of participation in the Tour of Missouri (also a Medalist Sports event), Ball indicated that he hoped to have the choice, but expressed some uncertainty about the team’s capacity to actually field a squad there. Rock Racing has already received invites to the Tour of Mexico and Tour of Britain, both of which would in conflict with the Tour of Missouri.
Finally, Ball also appeared to be delivering on his promise to bring more sponsors to the sport, announcing that Yamaha’s motorcycle division will be sponsoring the team (the results of which we can expect to see in Georgia).