Say this about that happenin’ Michael Ball cat … dude’s definitely in your face.

After the Tour of California barred three of his riders — Tyler Hamilton, Oscar Sevilla and Santiago Botero, all implicated in the reopened Operacion Puerto investigation — Rock Racing owner Michael Ball has outfitted the three cyclists in “crucifixion” team kits and let them loose in California.

Despite being barred from racing — a move with which Rock steadfastly disagrees — the trio are staying at the ToC, taking training rides and mingling with the guests. Well, at least they did on Sunday, and they’re supposed to do so throughout the week, according to cyclingnews.com.

At 10 Speed, we’ve had our fun with the happenin’ Rock cats, but there are several things to like about Ball.

– He’s got um, uh, guts.

– Dude believes in second chances; nothing wrong with that.

– He’s loyal to his guys. Other teams might have banished the trio, but Rock-o didn’t.

– Dude stirs the pot and gets himself publicity, which gives me the opportunity to search for kitchy, 1970’s happenin’ “rock” videos to attach to Rock Racing stories.

[kml_flashembed movie=”http://www.youtube.com/v/MnqkaH_EP_o” width=”425″ height=”350″ wmode=”transparent” /]

Entertainment value aside, is Rock Racing good for cycling? What do you think?

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