June 6, 2013 (Springfield, Mo.) – Mario Almendarez, a lease operator at Prime, Inc, rode a total of 538.99 miles to win Prime’s 2013 May Bicycle Challenge. Mr. Almendarez took the lead from Ange Mwiseneza during the last week of May by riding an incredible 204.59 miles. Mr. Mwiseneza finished the competition in second place with 488.5 miles, while Jeff Schmid finished in third with 155.34 miles. The month long competition was designed by Prime Driver Health and Fitness Coach Siphiwe Baleka in an effort to further the culture of fitness among Prime drivers.
Twice a year, Prime, Inc. sponsors a month long bicycle challenge to encourage drivers to be more active as part of its award-winning Driver Health and Fitness program. Prime drivers who carry a bike on their truck can participate, and they use smartphone apps to track their rides. Commenting on how he was able to ride so many miles, Mr. Almendarez said, “It all comes down to location and trips. I was lucky to be in the south last month with a lot of short trips and good weather. Up north where I usually run I probably wouldn’t have done as well.”
Roy Romo, who finished second last year during the September Bicycle Challenge, finished fourth this year’s May challenge. “As a Prime Student Driver Trainer,” said Mr. Romo, “I found riding a bike an enjoyable way to see and explore more at the places I travel to, as well as a way to exercise. The bike challenge gave me the incentive to ride more often and farther than I would have otherwise. I encourage every driver to find a way to get out of the truck and exercise as often as you can.”
Last year, Prime and bicycle manufacturer Montague partnered to provide high quality fold-up mountain bikes to the fleet. “Twenty-eight Prime drivers now carry a mountain bike inside their tractor cabs,” said Baleka, “and more and more drivers are riding. Mario and Ange had an epic battle and pushed each other in friendly competition. I am very impressed and inspired by their efforts.”
ABOUT PRIME INC.
Founded in 1970 by Robert Low, Prime Inc. is North America’s most successful refrigerated, flatbed, tanker and logistics trucking company. Headquartered in Springfield, Mo., Prime’s personnel, equipment and technology remains on the cutting edge of the transportation industry, and the company’s growth remains steady and well managed.
