GRAND RAPIDS, MI., January 22, 2008 - BISSELL Inc. has augmented its support of professional cycling in 2008 in more ways than one. In September, BISSELL announced its transition from co-sponsor of the 2007 Priority Health presented by BISSELL Pro Cycling Team to the title sponsor of the UCI Continental BISSELL Pro Cycling Team. Additionally, BISSELL Inc. has re-signed and increased its investment as one of Amgen’s Tour of California (AToC) key event sponsors.
BISSELL’s involvement with professional cycling is not new. For five years the company sponsored the USPS Professional Cycling Team (renamed later, Discovery), led by seven-time Tour de France Champion, Lance Armstrong. The company’s involvement in the sport stems from their passion and commitment toward healthy and cleaner living. This year, BISSELL’s increased involvement includes sponsorship of AToC’s broom-wagon, the BISSELL Clean Sweep Wagon, which is the last vehicle in the caravan and is responsible for transporting race retiring cyclists or those not meeting the stage’s cut-off time.
BISSELL Pro Cycling is one of seventeen select and recently announced Amgen Tour of California participating pro cycling teams. Led by 2007 break-out superstar, Ben Jacques-Maynes, second overall on the NRC standings; and time-trial specialist, Tom Zirbel, the team will be looking to improve on its 2007 accomplishments. That solid showing, including Jacques-Maynes’ 3rd place prologue and his near takeover of the leader’s jersey the following day at the controversial Stage 1 Santa Rosa finish, will challenge the team to step up even further in 2008.
Vying for the six remaining spots along side Jacques-Maynes and Zirbel are Aaron Olson, Burke Swindlehurst, Garret Peltonen, Omer Kem, Jeremy Vennell, Richard England, Teddy King, and Scott Zwizanski. Director Sportif and former pro cyclist, Glen Mitchell, will be finalizing the roster during the team’s training camp which begins on January 30th in Santa Rosa, CA. “The team will be going through specific training in our lead up to the Tour of California,” Mitchell said. “The final selection will be made there and will ensure that we have the best eight riders from our team at the start line.”
BISSELL’s sponsorship of the Amgen Tour of California and the BISSELL Pro Cycling Team demonstrates the company’s commitment to the pursuit of health and wellness, both inside and outside the home. For more information on the team, please visit www.bissellprocycling.com.
About BISSELL Inc.
A 132-year-old company, Grand Rapids-based BISSELL Inc. is a floor care innovator and international marketer of home cleaning products, including sweepers, vacuums, deep cleaning machines and cleaning formulas sold at retail locations worldwide. The company, in its fourth generation of family leadership, is the seventh oldest privately held manufacturing company in the United States. For more info, visit www.bissell.com.
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