Dionne signs two-years with Successful Living

By Mark Zalewski, North American Editor

The North American-based Successful Living team announced Wednesday that 27 year-old former Canadian road champion Charles Dionne has inked a two-year deal with the young team.

Dionne made a name for himself as a younger rider by winning the infamous San Francisco Grand Prix twice. As a result he was picked up by a ProTour team in Europe, racing for Saunier Duval-Prodir. However his racing there never quite came to fruition and he returned to North America for the 2007 season to race with the Colavita-Sutter Home team.

The Successful Living team, which just finished its second year in the professional ranks, had some positive progressions this year, winning a stage at the Cascade Classic and sweeping the Infineo n Cougar Mountain Classic . Team director Steve Hegg hopes that Dionne's experience and ability as an all-around rider will help the team take the next step in 2008.

"Adding a rider like Charles gives our team additional horse power and experience as we move into a new level of our program," commented Team Director Steve Hegg. "He's a great overall rider and we plan on making an impact at more stage races next season."

"I'm really excited about the change in teams for 2008," said Dionne. "I'm looking forward to a fresh start next season without any injuries, and returning to the form I had when I won San Francisco Grand Prix twice. My goal is to get some big wins in races like Tour of California, and Philly week."

Dionne is also aiming to be selected as a member of the Canadian Olympic team for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. The team's title sponsor, Successful Living, recently renewed its sponsorship for three more years.