Maybe he's not so bad

We've been pretty critical of Michael Ball in the past. But maybe he's not such a bad doood after all;

Ball said he was inspired to launch the fund by the plight of Mexican racer Fausto Esparza, who was partially paralyzed after a downhill crash at New Mexico's Tour of the Gila this spring.

"That's what really made me think about this," he said. "Here's a perfect example of a guy who has dedicated his life to the sport and now he's in a tough spot," he said.

Esparza, who spent several weeks at the hospital in El Paso, Texas, following the crash, has been moved to a facility in Mexico City, according to a source familiar with his situation. A call to a family member on Sunday was not immediately returned.

Ball said his goal is to raise $20 million over the next two years. The initial donation will come from the team, his Rock & Republic clothing company and himself personally. He said the fund will make donations to elite amateurs and professionals who are injured during a race. The fund's board of directors will decide on a case-by-case basis who qualifies and how much support should be given.

source: velonews