With rumors swirling of Italian superstar sprinter Mario Cipollini returning to either racing or consulting for the US Continental squad Rock and Republic, Cipollini himself finally emerged last week to announce a new partnership with Team Wooly Mammoth instead. He told the tifosi which had gathered to interview him as he boarded a chartered RPM Aviation Group learjet that no matter how much money Michael Ball and the Rock and Republic Racing outfit threw his way, he couldn't get over the unsightly black kits they insisted he wear. "Black looks good on my pet panther, but not on the Cipo," he said.
As he boarded the jet bound for TWM headquarters in Austin, Texas, Cipo elaborated on what he and outspoken Wooly Mammoth CEO Jonathan Benedict Wheeler discussed regarding his duties to the team. "After meeting with Benedict and their brilliant directeur sportif Patrick Newell, I think my primary role will be to mentor their young riders by demonstrating what it takes to be a true Norwalian champion. They have the tools in place to continue winning many races this season, all they need is a little advice on how to tan in the ultra fashion, how to traditionally romance podium girls...and how to keep jungle cats as pets"
The origins of this incredible union between Team Wooly Mammoth and the flamboyant former World Champion are shrouded in secrecy, however, Wheeler did confess Cipollini was originally contracted to join the team in a fashion design position, but that role was quickly scrapped. Cipo commented, "The 2008 kits and all previous incarnations are magnificent, there is nothing I would change. Everyone on the team is incredibly tall and handsome as well- I was truly shocked at the impressive sight of these guys in full livery. I immediately knew this is the future of Italian inspired cycling."
Cipo opted to wear one of his favorite kits of all time (his world champ Wooly Mammoth kit is in the works) on a recent training ride with TWM's stagiare Jarado Believerini and the young Spanish sensation Nicholai Ybarra. Cipo schooled the young riders in sprinting and worked with them in the art of descending to catch the autobus in the event they are forced to ride a mountain stage. After the training ride Cipo was quick to realize the hidden potential in the young squadra. Super Mario further hinted that he may indeed compete in a select number of races for the Wooly Mammoth boys during which he plans on leading out their already formidable sprint train.
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