BISSELL Announces New Cycling Team Title Sponsorship
Ben Jacques-Maynes leads the former Priority Health squad, adds Burke Swindlehurst and Aaron Olsen for 2008.

BISSELL Inc. announces its 2008 racing program with the introduction of the newest UCI American Tour Continental Team, the BISSELL Pro Cycling Team, formerly called Priority Health presented by BISSELL.

Priority Health/Bissel keeping a tight formation at the Toor de Toona.
Photo © Kurt Jambretz/Action Images

BISSELL’s decision to become the title sponsor demonstrates the company’s commitment to healthy living both inside and outside the home, as evidenced by its products and passion for the sport of cycling. BISSELL has a five-year history with cycling; sponsoring the most successful team in the history of the sport, the USPS Pro Cycling Team now known as the Discovery Pro Cycling Team, led by seven time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong, and 2007 winner Alberto Contador. In addition, BISSELL’s President and CEO, Mark Bissell is a member of the Board of Directors at the USA Cycling Development Foundation.

“Our brand is innovative and performance-based,” says Mark Bissell. “This sponsorship exemplifies how BISSELL is extending its commitment to promoting healthy living through athletic competition. We are proud to increase our sponsorship and commitment to this winning team.”

Ben Jacques-Maynes - Nature Valley G.P.
Photo © Kurt Jambretz/Action Images

Members of the 2008 BISSELL Pro Cycling Team include:
• Ben Jacques-Maynes
• Richard England
• Graham Howard
• Omer Kem
• Edward King
• Garrett Peltonen
• Morgan Schmitt
• Tom Zirbel
• Scott Zwizanski
• Aaron Olson
• Burke Swindlehurst
• Jeremy Vennell
• Steven Howard

The team is led by Ben Jacques-Maynes, a seven-time NRC race winner in 2007 and second overall in NRC individual points. In addition to Jacques-Maynes and eight strong returning riders, four new riders have been signed by the BISSELL Pro Cycling Team.

Scott Zwizanski - Downers Grove
Photo © Kurt Jambretz/Action Images

Aaron Olson joins the team after two successful years racing in the UCI ProTour. His strength in stage races will be a huge asset to the team as they participate in some of the most grueling races on the 2008 calendar. Burke Swindlehurst, a multi-time NRC tour winner is recognized as one of the country’s best hill climbers. Look for him to shine when the roads head to the sky. Jeremy Vennell’s versatility in climbing and time trialing bring additional horsepower to the team. Steven Howard joins older brother Graham as one of the team’s sprinters.

“All four new riders have already demonstrated their abilities over the previous years, but I believe the environment we have on the BISSELL Pro Cycling Team will enable us all to have our best season so far,” said Glen Mitchell, team director. “It’s going to be an exciting year as we strive to make an impact on the American racing scene.” In addition to Mitchell, the team is managed by Mark and Cheryl Olson and supported by Team Mechanic Ben Oliver and Head Soigneur Kaycee Evans. For more information on the team, please visit www.bissellprocycling.com.

About BISSELL Inc.
A 131-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.