GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 4, 2008 –  When the nation’s top professional cyclists hit the streets of Grand Rapids in this Saturday’s Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic, natives Steven Howard and Graham Howard will be representing not just their own hometown, but also that of their title sponsor, BISSELL.  With an eight-man roster traveling to the Tour of Missouri this weekend, the BISSELL Pro Cycling Team is relying on the two athletes, who are also brothers, to show local cycling fans the true strength of the nationally-recognized team.

“BISSELL Pro Cycling is Grand Rapids’ most successful professional sports team!” says Robert Hughes of Advantage Benefits, which is both a team and event sponsor.  “Grand Rapids should be proud of Steven and Graham -- two home-grown athletes who have had some major successes this year.”

Having won his first NRC race this year, Steven is a criterium champion, racking up first place finishes in these multi-lap races, the same race format in place for Saturday’s cycling event.  All-rounder Graham has also posted outstanding results in 2008, including a 14th place finish at last weekend’s USA Professional Cycling Championship’s Time Trial Race.

Hughes, who also was a founder of the Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic, says the second annual event will be even bigger than the last because it’s now part of the National Racing Calendar, attracting even more cycling talent to the event.  With their past successes, however, the Howard brothers are perfectly poised to challenge the strengthening competition at this year’s race.

ABOUT BISSELL
BISSELL Homecare, Inc. is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan and is a 132-year-old 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.

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