May 4, 2006 “” Suunto””the world-leader in precision sports instruments””has signed a partnership agreement with the Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team, making the Suunto t6 the organization’s official training tool. Jelly Belly pros will use the Suunto t6, Suunto Ambassador Strap and Suunto Bike POD to record laboratory-accurate assessments of training and race performance. Team trainers will then use the data to create and fine-tune cardiovascular training programs, with the goal of helping team members achieve optimal condition in the shortest time possible.

“We’re stoked to be part of the Suunto team, and we’re equally excited to start training with the Suunto t6,” says Jelly Belly Team Director Danny Van Haute. “The Suunto t6 is ideal for cycling. It’s incredibly accurate, and it features a built-in altimeter that tracks our performance during hill climbing and training at altitude.”

Designed for endurance athletes and trainers, the Suunto t6 helps athletes maximize the training benefit of each workout with a detailed analysis of seven different body parameters: heart rate, energy consumption, ventilation, oxygen consumption, respiratory rate, training effect, and EPOC (Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption). Coupled with Suunto Training Manager PC software, the Suunto t6 helps athletes and trainers create and continuously update the ideal training program. Wristop features include dual time, date, alarm, stopwatch with splits and laps, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, and speed and distance with optional Suunto PODs.

The Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team includes 11 members from cities throughout the United States. The energetic and dedicated team of top athletes races in elite and highly-competitive Pro-Am cycling events. The team is sponsored by Jelly Belly, the world’s leading manufacturer of gourmet jelly beans.

Van Haute first heard of the Suunto t6 when team member Brice Jones discussed its benefits at a team gathering. Always on the lookout for innovative ways to improve the team’s training regimen, Van Haute contacted Suunto and requested a demonstration for the team. After a short Q and A, Van Haute confidently signed the partnership agreement, making the Suunto t6 the team’s official training tool.

Founded in 1936, Suunto is a leading designer and manufacturer of precision sports instruments for diving, mountaineering, hiking, skiing, sailing, training and golf. Prized for their design, accuracy and dependability, Suunto wristop computers combine the aesthetics and functionality of watches with sport-specific computers that help athletes at all levels analyze and improve performance. Headquartered in Vantaa, Finland, Suunto employs more than 500 people worldwide and distributes its products to nearly 60 countries. The company is a subsidiary of Helsinki-based Amer Sports Corporation.