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Dominguez returns to Rock

Published: Jun. 18, 2009

Sprinter Ivan Dominguez has returned to the U.S.-based Rock Racing team after a five-month ProTour stint with Fuji-Servetto.

Dominguez initially signed with Rock Racing before the 2009 season, but left the team in early January to accept a spot with the new ProTour squad. His return to domestic racing was a personal decision, he said, based on a desire to be closer to his family and the races he loves.

“Racing in Europe was a great opportunity, but this is where I want to be,” Dominguez said. “(Team owner) Michael Ball left the door open for me and I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of this team again.”

“We knew it was a dream of Ivan’s to race in Europe and completely supported his decision to pursue that dream,” Ball said. “I told Ivan he would always have a place on this team and I meant it. We are glad he’s back and look forward to his contributions throughout the rest of the season.”

Dominguez, who was often referred to as “The Cuban Missile" due to his Cuban heritage, was granted U.S. citizenship February 26. Since turning professional in 2000, the 33-year-old has won stages at the Amgen Tour of California, the Tour of Missouri and the now-defunct Tour de Georgia, in addition to victories at a number of major one-day races in the U.S.

Dominguez sought asylum in the U.S. while competing with the Cuban national cycling team at the 1998 Goodwill Games in New York City.