Bissell ready to sizzle in '09

While issues with the United States of America's economy has hurt some of its local squads, Bissell Pro Cycling Team has announced its title sponsor has renewed for 2009. The squad has also announced the signing of two time national criterium champion Kirk O'bee (Health Net-Maxxis) as well as Peter Latham (Albi Velo Sport) and Andy Jacques-Maynes (California Giant) for next season.

In addition to the new riders joining the Continental squad next year, the team will also undergo a management change with Glen Mitchell taking over the helm. Eric Wohlberg will join Mitchell on the management team, with the experienced Wohlberg taking on the role of sport director.

"The team has had a fantastic year and has surpassed the goals that we had in the beginning of the year," said Mitchell. "I am very excited about becoming more involved with the team, and I look forward to the challenges ahead in building this team to the next level.

"We have a solid platform of riders from this year and have recruited some talented athletes to strengthen the squad at our targeted races for '09," he added.

The team will see Ben Jacques-Maynes, Tom Zirbel, Burke Swindlehurst, Jeremy Vennell, Omer Kem, Joao Correia, and Graham Howard return for another year with the outfit. They will be joined by up-and-coming riders Morgan Schmitt, Sheldon Deeny, Cody O'Reilly, Paul Mach and Tim Farnham.