Van Dessel Confirms Sponsorship for Iraq's Junior National Cycling Team

DOVER, N.J. (September 22, 2005) In a move of stunning generosity in the sometimes mercurial industry of bicycle manufacturing, Van Dessel Cycles has stepped up to sponsor the war-ravaged Iraqi Junior National Cycling Team.

"They are riding the city streets of a war zone because they are so dedicated to this sport," said Mathew Werner of Cyclists for Cultural Exchange. "They were using ancient equipment - really old and decrepit bikes and clothing."

Van Dessel Cycles--seeing the plight of the Iraqi riders--decided to help.

"We read an article about the group Cyclists for Cultural Exchange, which stated they were looking for help with their support of the Iraq Junior National team," explained Van Dessel's Edwin Bull. "Always eager to give back to the cycling community as a whole, we couldn't help but get in touch and offer assistance."

Along with other industry leaders like Shimano, Ritchey, Giro, Fizik, Carnac and Smith, Van Dessel Cycles allowed the Iraqi team to turn in their rusty old steel frames and provided 10 of their Flahute racing frames. A mix of carbon fiber and aluminum, the Flahute provides its riders with the responsiveness that a racing frame demands along with the vibration dampening that only one's own body can appreciate. Thanks to Van Dessel's generous donations assistance and like offerings from the other sponsoring companies, the Iraqi Junior National Team will no longer have to worry about having equipment unbefitting their status as world-class athletes.

Iraq's Junior National Cycling Team will compete atop Van Dessel's Flahute racing frame for 2006

In addition to supporting the Iraqi Junior National Team, Van Dessel Cycles has also chosen to support several other American teams and riders. The most notable of these athletes are the Louis Garneau and Grand Canyon Racing squads, and champion duathletes like Tom Jeffrey and Eric Schwartz. Making great use of their carbon and aluminum Kermis road frames and Van Dessel's very own time trial bike, the WR, Van Dessel athletes posted strong results throughout the 2005 season demonstrating Van Dessel Cycles' dedication to forging its name into the consciousness of American cycling straight from the top of the podium.

"Racing is close to our heart and sponsoring teams like Louis Garneau and Grand Canyon Racing and top level multi-sport athletes is a real pleasure for us. Being closely involved with elite athletes competing on our bikes is very important to us. Knowing that they want to ride the bikes confirms that I'm making some of the best racing machines out there, and better yet, with athletes like these that keep winning big name events, it puts my bikes exactly where they belong--in the winner's circle."

Van Dessel multisport athlete Doug Clark routinely wins triathlons with help from the WR TT frame

However Van Dessel bikes are not merely for elite athletes, for we all know that cycling isn't just racing, hence there are bikes like the Country Road Bob single-speed as well as Van Dessel's sponsorship of teams like the Northampton Cycling Club, Deno's Wonder Wheel, Comprehensive Training Systems, and the University of California, Davis. While the bikes underneath these teams do put up impressive results, they also allow for cyclists less interested in racing to find their own niche in the cycling community. Van Dessel understands that just like elite athletes, these riders deserve the best equipment, whether an all-carbon Solstice for the local club century or a Buzz Bomb FS for riding on the sweetest single-track.

Ride inspired since 2000, Van Dessel Cycles is dedicated to maximizing performance, function, and dependability in every Van Dessel bike. Van Dessel's 2006 line of bikes debuts at www.vandesselsports.com and features the carbon Solstice road bike, the ultra-light aerodynamic TT/Tri Project WR, the full-suspension Buzz Bomb FS and the single-speed Country Road Bob. Determined to build up the sport from its grassroots, Van Dessel believes in promoting cycling through talented, results-oriented athletes. Look for Van Dessel Cycles beneath teams like Louis Garneau, Colavita New England, UC Davis and the Iraq Junior National Team. To see Van Dessel bikes up close, visit them at Interbike's OutDoor Demo, at the Interbike Expo, booth #604, or find a dealer at www.vandesselsports.com