Chihuahua, Mexico — Rock Racing stamped its authority on another stage race Saturday when Oscar Sevilla captured the overall title at the Vuelta a Chihuahua.

Sevilla’s win in Mexico adds to victories by Rock Racing at three other stage races this year: the Vuelta a Asturias (Francisco Mancebo), Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic (Sevilla) and Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah (Mancebo).

Not bad for a team many were writing off even before the 2009 season was underway, Team Owner Michael Ball said.

“This has been a spectacular year for us and we’re not done yet,” Ball said, referring to Rock Racing’s five-rider squad that is readying for Sunday’s start of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour in Australia.

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Camargo, Mexico — Only Saturday’s 72-mile (118 km) stage at the Vuelta a Chihuahua stands in the way of Oscar Sevilla delivering a milestone victory for Rock Racing.

If the Spaniard maintains his overall lead, he will have scored Rock Racing’s third straight overall title at a stage race this year, adding to wins at the Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic in July and the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah in August.

“I’m feeling relaxed, with no pressure,” Sevilla said. “I have very talented teammates around me who know what to do to make sure I maintain my lead through to the end.”

Rock Racing protected Sevilla’s six-second advantage over Gregorio Ladino (Tecos Trek) on Friday’s Stage 5 by riding the front throughout the 88-mile (142 km) race from Parral to Camargo. A breakaway group of seven riders was reeled in three miles from the finish and César Vaquera (Orven) won the field sprint.

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