Bissell praise Vennell signing

The Bissell Pro Cycling Team has praised the efforts of its new signing from New Zealand, Jeremy Vennell. The former DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed rider was released early from the Belgian-based squad to join his new American outfit at the Tour of Southland in his home nation, where Vennell claimed an impressive two stage wins.

"We signed Jeremy months ago based on Team Director Glen Mitchell's recommendation and we could not be happier to see him deliver on his potential already," said team manager Mark Olson. "I think Jeremy will be a force to reckon with here in the United States and will lend a great hand in helping Ben Jacques-Maynes to more success in 2008."

The Bissell squad enjoyed a successful venture down in the Southern Hemisphere, adding five stage victories at Southland to their two podium positions in Australia's Jayco Herald Sun Tour last month.

The two races were the squad's first races under the Bissell tag, with the company moving into the title sponsor position after former title sponsor Priority Health announced it wouldn't be renewing its agreement with the squad for 2008. Its recent success will likely give the riders a boost in confidence heading into the 2008 season.