Cuban sprinter abandons ProTour life with Fuji-Servetto
Ivan Dominguez (Fuji-Servetto) ponders if he'll have the chance to unleash his sprint later today. (Image credit: Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us)
Ivan Dominguez is back with Rock Racing after being released from ProTour team Fuji-Servetto, six months into a full year contract. According to the Cuban sprinter, he returned to domestic racing for personal reasons and a desire to be close to his family.
Dominguez, 33, began negotiations with Rock Racing at the end of the 2008 season when his long-time Toyota-United team folded. He had not reached an agreement with the squad when he received an offer from Fuji-Servetto’s manager Mauro Gianetti. Dominguez jumped on board with the Spanish-based ProTour team for a shot at competing on the world-class platform.
"Racing in Europe was a great opportunity, but this is where I want to be," said Dominguez who is noted as one of the top domestic sprinters. "Michael Ball left the door open for me and I'm grateful for the chance to be a part of this team again."
Rock Racing team owner Michael Ball supported Dominguez' decision to leave his squad for a shot at competing in the top level of the sport. "We knew it was a dream of Ivan's to race in Europe," said Ball. "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 is known for being a top domestic sprinter for his stage wins in the Tour of California, Tour of Georgia and the Tour of Missouri. However, his stint with Fuji-Servetto proved to be less fruitful, and he was unable to achieve any podium finishes in Europe.
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Kirsten Frattini is the Deputy Editor of Cyclingnews, overseeing the global racing content plan.
Kirsten has a background in Kinesiology and Health Science. She has been involved in cycling from the community and grassroots level to professional cycling's biggest races, reporting on the WorldTour, Spring Classics, Tours de France, World Championships and Olympic Games.
She began her sports journalism career with Cyclingnews as a North American Correspondent in 2006. In 2018, Kirsten became Women's Editor – overseeing the content strategy, race coverage and growth of women's professional cycling – before becoming Deputy Editor in 2023.
