April 30, 2011
Vennell on Podium at Gila TT
BISSELL's Jeremy Vennell placed second in yesterday's Tyrone Individual Time Trial. The 25k race included 1,200 feet of climbing at high altitude and was made even more difficult by hazardous high winds. Vennell rode the course in 34:45. Even in the high crosswinds, Jeremy forced himself to stay down on his aerobars, and he also chose a shallow front wheel to minimize the effect of the wind. 18 year old Dale Parker (Trek Livestrong) turned in the fastest time of the day and race leader Francisco Mancebo (RealCyclist) rounded out the podium. Other BISSELL time trialists, Ben Jacques-Maynes and Jay Thomson, also turned in great times. Frank Pipp continues to lead the sprint competition as the team faces Saturday's Criterium where wind is also expected to be a factor.
April 28, 2011
BISSELL's Frank Pipp Takes Stage 2 at Gila
Frank Pipp won today’s Inner Loop Road Race. The hurricane-like winds, which played a major role in yesterday’s race, were not a factor today, and the team knew that significant time splits in the field would be unlikely. With a field sprint as a probable outcome, BISSELL’s goal was to take Frank Pipp to the line. BISSELL’s Jay Thomson represented the team in the day’s 5 man break, while the field depleted their energy stores in the chase. The gap never surpassed 1:30 min, but many of the chasing teams felt the pressure. With less than 5 miles to go, the break was finally caught and BISSELL put their race plan into action. Ben Jacques-Maynes led Pipp into the final 300m, where Frank successfully sprinted to the line for the stage win.
April 25, 2011
Previous Gila Winner Ready to Race for BISSELL
Winner of the 2006 Tour of Gila, Chris Baldwin, will race his first race in the BISSELL colors this week at the Tour of Gila. Baldwin who is showing top form hopes to showcase his high altitude capacity and build off a history of great results at Gila. He will be joined by teammates who have also presented good results in the 5 day tour in the thin air. BISSELL’s Rob Britton had a great race last year where he placed 2nd in the ultimate stage, the Gila Monster. Also, hoping to build on strong past results will be Ben Jacques-Maynes, who has had several top ten finishes, and Jeremy Vennell. They will be supported by fellow riders, Frank Pipp, Jay Thomson, Paul Mach, and Andy Baker.
BISSELL’s goal is to dominate the race as the strongest team, achieve stage wins and, ultimately, the overall victory. In addition, to a strong showing, the team hopes to capitalize on the NRC classification and mount a strong campaign for individual and team points. BISSELL will also be using the Tour of Gila, along with Joe Martin, as its final training for the Amgen Tour of California. This year, Gila holds even more importance as preparation for the significant climbing in this year’s ATOC.
April 20, 2011
Checking in with the BISSELL Masters in Colorado
Monday, the second day of the BISSELL Masters training camp, consisted of 90 very tough miles circling Ft. Collins. Their “flat” day of riding included over 4500ft of climbing with only the first 30 miles of the day being truly flat. The brutal wind added to the tough day of training.
Tuesday brought the sun and warmer temperatures. The guys rode a loop called the “Ritz Cracker Pretzel” which is 70 miles with over 7500ft of climbing. The group later found out that the course (in reverse) will act as the Amateur World Championships Qualifying Race in August. The team is now trying to formulate plans to return for the race.
A few great days of training complete with plans to wrap up the week in top form. Stay tuned…
April 20, 2011
Little 500 Winner Signs as a Pro for BISSELL
The BISSELL Pro Cycling Team announces Eric Young as the final addition for the 2011 season. Young, an Indiana University student, has signed with BISSELL following his recent win at the legendary collegiate race, the Little 500. Eric will graduate from IU in several weeks and immediately begin racing for BISSELL. In addition to his wins as a Cutter, Eric has an established history of winning races. In 2010, Eric accumulated 3 wins at Collegiate Track Nationals. Young is equally as talented on the road where he won the Tour of Elk Grove Safeco Insurance category 1/2 race and the Marion Classic.
Bissell will definitely look to Eric for support of the team's criterium squad and is excited to see his great sprinting ability continue to develop. The team anticipates showcasing his talent in this year's National Criterium Championships to be held near BISSELL headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
April 19, 2011
Two-Time National Champion to Ride in BISSELL Colors for 2011
The BISSELL Pro Cycling Team announces the addition of two-time national time trial champion, Chris Baldwin, to its 2011 roster. A top pro rider for 10 years, Baldwin brings a wealth of knowledge and immense skill to the team. He has consistently finished on the podium at major U.S. races including Gila, Redlands, and Mt. Hood. Baldwin is again in top form in 2011, as he currently sits in fourth place in the NRC individual standings.
Baldwin’s combination of talent and leadership makes him a great asset to BISSELL, and adds power to the team’s already dominant roster. His ability to perform at high altitudes and tenacity in long breakaways will provide even more depth to BISSELL’s already impressive 2011 team.
“Chris is a fierce competitor every time he lines up,” says team manager, Glen Mitchell. “He is experienced and very motivated. His presence on Team BISSELL for 2011 is exciting news.”
April 18, 2011
BISSELL Masters Training Camp in Fort Collins
The BISSELL Masters Team, Michigan’s top elite team, is spending the week in Fort Collins, Colorado and getting a jump start on the spring season. The seven member team includes Derek Witte, Derek Graham, Nate Williams, Ben Whitehead, Jimi Minnema, Jason Swiatlowski, and Dan Lam. The guys are planning some great rides during their 5 day stay. They will perhaps have their toughest intervals just riding up to their house which is located in the Front Range at 7000ft. Their magnificent accommodations are at the end of a 3.5 mile dirt climb which the locals say they have never seen a bike on.
Sunday was their first training ride in wind gusts up to 40mph. The guys were caught out on the 5 hour ride in temperatures which plummeted from 70° to 45°. The ride motivates them further for the upcoming days. Monday they have planned 100 miles and will also be including epic Colorado routes including the quadruple bypass during their stay.
Stay tuned for more news and pictures from Colorado.
April 17, 2011
BISSELL's Six Man Roster All in Top 10 at Sea Otter TT
The cold and fog swept into Monterey for Saturday’s time trial but BISSELL was heated up as the entire 6 man team roster all finished in the top 10. The 8 mile tt course was one lap of Friday’s road race loop through Fort Ord. Andy Jacques-Maynes was BISSELL’s fastest rider of the day and finished 4th with a time of 17:32. Confirming the team’s strong time trialing ability, Ben Jacques-Maynes, Jay Thomson, Jeremy Vennell, and Chase Pinkham rounded out 5th-10th places, respectively.
April 15, 2011
Strong Field Battle at Sea Otter
BISSELL initiated a rush of attacks from the start of today’s 68 mile road race at the Sea Otter Classic. On the second KOM, the attacks paid off with Paul Mach launching free from the field. The breakaway eventually grew to 4 riders and by the 4th lap the gap had increased to 2 minutes. With 9 miles to go, the break was caught and immediately BISSELL’s Jeremy Vennell attacked. He quickly built up a 30 second time gap. With riders trying to bridge up, BISSELL’s Jacques-Maynes stayed close in the action to protect BISSELL’s interest ahead. With only 1k to go, Vennell remained solo with 15 seconds over the chasing field. The furious chase caught Jeremy at the finish with Francisco Mancebo (RealCyclist) coming through for the win. In a powerful finish, BISSELL’s Jay Thomson pushed through for 3rd place and Vennell held on for 4th.
April 14, 2011
BISSELL Head to Monterey for Sea Otter Classic
BISSELL sends a roster of six riders including Ben Jacques-Maynes, Andy Jacques-Maynes, Jeremy Vennell, Jay Thomson, Paul Mach, and Chase Pinkham to this year’s Sea Otter Classic. The 4 days of road racing begin Thursday afternoon with a 60 minute crit on the Laguna Seca racetrack. The events continue on Friday with the 60 mile road race where BISSELL rider, Paul Mach, will try to repeat his victory here last year. Saturday’s time trial is returning after having been off the race line-up for the last few years. The 8 mile race against the clock will be on a new course. The racing wraps up on Sunday with the 120 minute Circuit Race also on the undulating track at Laguna Seca.
BISSELL looks forward to its return to Sea Otter where is dominated the racing last year. Ben Jacques-Maynes is proud to be one of the 2011 Sea Otter Classic Ambassadors and he and his brother, Andy, eagerly anticipate racing for their hometown crowds.
April 10, 2011
BISSELL Races in Alabama
BISSELL riders Pipp, Bevin, Dahlheim, Kline, Williams, and Baker packed in two full days of racing in Alabama starting with Saturday’s NRC Sunny King Criterium followed by Sunday’s Foothills Classic Road Race.
Andrew Dahlheim opened up with the first move of the night in the 60-lap crit. Throughout the race, BISSELL responded to the continuous barrage of attacks. With one lap to go, the BISSELL train was solidly in control at the front, and Paddy Bevin came through for 4th. Commenting on how things finished, Bevin said, “I was a bit disappointed with how the very end played out.” “I am feeling strong but I got pinched trying to catch a wheel going into the finish. But, that’s racing.”
Sunday’s race was 69 miles on very hilly terrain. Attacking in the initial miles gave way to an early break of 7 which included 2 BISSELL riders, Pipp and Bevin. An arduous chase was led by RealCyclist, Kelly Benefits and Team Type 1, and Bevin and Pipp kept pressure high among the lead group. With three miles to go, RealCyclist launched a very hard acceleration, and BISSELL’s Andrew Dahlheim followed the move. The reaction from the field closed the gap considerably, and the break was caught in the final mile. Dahlheim was able to hold his position going into the finish and sprinted into 4th place for the day. It was another strong showing from BISSELL.
April 4, 2011
BJM Finishes 2nd at Redlands
In a hard fought battle, Ben Jacques-Maynes finished second in the overall at the Redlands Bicycle Classic. The stage 3 Sunset Ridge RR did not come without a tremendous fight from the BISSELL Team. With two intermediate sprints, as well as, the finish offering hefty time bonuses, the leader’s jersey bounced back-and-forth between Ben and Francisco Mancebo (RealCyclist) throughout the day.
“I could not be more proud of the guys because they rode exactly our plan,” says Director Kem. The first available time bonuses came early in the first of 12 times up the ascent, and BJM knew that with only .03 seconds separating him from first place these bonuses were critical. Ben sprinted for the line and was second across with Mancebo on his heels for third. The two seconds placed Ben as the new race leader. The BISSELL Team moved into position and assumed the role of defending the race lead. From there, a breakaway of 7 took shape and was later joined by 8 more strong riders. BISSELL was content to let them stay out and contest the KOMs. Eventually, BISSELL reeled them back to within 15 seconds. Kem says, “With big attacks on every lap, my team defended the race lead and did the absolute best job possible.” After a long day of defending the lead, BJM found himself isolated from his team in the 5 closing laps in downtown Redlands. As a small field approached the sprint point at the end of the first lap, Mancebo jumped across to take the full three seconds, Andres Diaz (Team Exergy) got two seconds, and BJM crossed third for the one second bonus. This sprint propelled Mancebo back into the lead. With the finishing bonuses still decisive, the pressure was amplified. As a small group rounded the final corner, Mancebo’s teammate, Cole House (RealCyclist), shot out to take the win and protect the time bonus for his team leader.
BISSELL launched the NRC with some amazing racing, and looks forward to continuing its development as the best domestic TEAM.
April 3, 2011
BJM Virtually Tied as Race Leader
BISSELL's day three at Redlands exemplified all it takes to be a great bike racing team - power, teamwork, communication, glory, disappointment, resiliency, and the will to do it all again the next day. With Ben Jacques-Maynes only one second out of the overall lead, the team's goal for the day was to obtain the 3 seconds intermediate time bonus to catapult BJM into the lead. Jay Thomson represented BISSELL in the day's first break of 4. Although he wasn't looking for the sprint points, he monitored BISSELL's position from the front. After the sprints, Jay dropped back to the peloton to assist his team in the pursuit of the crucial time bonuses. With BISSELL in clear control of the field, BJM shot out to take the mid race sprint and gain the three seconds time bonus. Race leader, Francisco Mancebo (RealCyclist), followed for second. Initially, race officials confirmed that the count back had BJM as race leader, and the team had achieved their goal. However twenty five minutes later, officials rescinded their ruling and said that BJM was tied in time but still sat in 2nd place based on the Prologue TT.
The team, again in a position of working for the lead, readjusted their race plan. Four laps from the finish, Andy Jacques-Maynes got into a 6 man breakaway and built up a 12 second gap. AJM was looking for the win and was virtual leader on the road. In the final corner, a crash in the break caused the group to lose momentum and they were caught by the field.
In another contentious event of the day, fourth place GC rider, Andres Diaz (Team Exergy), had a mechanical during the opening 20 minutes of the race. He went to the pits but was denied a free lap. He tried to chase back but after a couple of laps he was pulled from the race. After the race finished, he was reinstated as 4th overall. This placing does effect AJM's overall result as he would've moved up to 4th in GC.
The team was clearly disappointed that twice their plans were thwarted; however, the true professionals look forward to Sunday’s final stage with determination. “More warpath tomorrow," says BJM. "The team is on fire."
Sunday's 94 mile Sunset Road Race with 12 ascents will be tough but BISSELL is ready for battle.
April 2, 2011
Redlands Bicycle Classic - Beaumont Circuit Race
The BISSELL Team successfully protected Ben Jacques-Maynes second place in the overall during Friday's 120k circuit race. Andy Jacques-Maynes and Jermemy Vennell sit in 5th and 6th place, respectively, in the general classification within 15 seconds of the lead.
On the second of five laps, a group of six riders including BISSELL's Frank Pipp broke away and successfully stayed together until the final lap. With no riders a serious threat to the overall, the race was content to let them go, but kept a close eye on the valuable time bonuses up for grabs. Pipp monitored the situation from the lead group and took the three seconds time bonus on the third KOM. The field mounted an aggressive chase on the final Climb putting pressure on the leaders and splintering the chasers. Breakaway riders, John Bennett (Cal Giant)and Lachlan Morton (Chipotle Development), were able to stay away with Bennett getting the stage win. A field sprint of 30 riders came through 12 seconds back and included BISSELL's BJM, AJM, Vennell, Mach, and Thomson.
April 1, 2011
BISSELL Opens NRC with 3 in the Top 10
BISSELL kicked off the opening prologue at the Redlands Bicycle Classic by landing three riders in the top ten. The Sun Time Trial was a 5k uphill parcours and long awaited summertime temperatures greeted the riders. Ben Jacques-Maynes narrowly missed the win finishing second with a time of 9:40, only one second off the lead. His brother and teammate, Andy Jacques-Maynes, who has had some great early season time trials built on his successes to finish 4th. Jeremy Vennell finished 7th and is only 14 seconds back to secure BISSELL’s domination in the GC. Going into Friday’s 120k Circuit Race, Director Omer Kem likes BISSELL’s position. “BISSELL is in a great spot with Ben, Andy and Jeremy. It will force RealCyclist to take control of the race.” The Beaumont Circuit Race can be tricky with narrow roads, unpredictable winds, and available time bonuses.
