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The BISSELL Pro Cycling Team survived, intact, the nasty weather conditions and unusual race circumstances of the ATOC stage 1 from Davis to Santa Rosa. The day lived up to the agonizing forecast, temperatures steady at 45 degrees, continuous rain which led to significant standing water and debris on the roads.

Only 8 miles into the stage, Francisco Mancebo (Rock Racing) broke away. Mancebo had occasional companions, but for the majority of the day he endured 2 KOM climbs racing solo into Santa Rosa. Finally during the finishing circuits, he was joined by Nabali (Liguigas) and VanDeWalle (Quickstep), but Mancebo conserved enough energy to pull away to the line taking the win.

The day was complicated further by unusual calls by race officials. As the main peloton approached Calistoga, the teams were notified that due to weather conditions the finishing times would be determined based on the time that the rider entered the circuit into Santa Rosa. The ruling meant that for all riders not contesting the win, the finish would be at the start of the circuit. This late ruling had impact on the outcome of the race. Another element adding to the varying dynamics of the day was the early abandonment of the race leader, Fabian Cancellera. This change placed Astana in the position of having to defend the leader’s jersey.

The BISSELL Team survived today’s poor conditions with only 2 flats on a day where mechanicals were frequent. The team remains very motivated as they face stage 2, Sausalito to Santa Cruz. Team Manager, Glen Mitchell says, "The Jacques-Maynes are motivated as they head into their home town. This is America’s biggest race with the strongest field in history. BISSELL will be looking for opportunities, and if they arise, the BISSELL Team will show the world what we’ve got."

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