31st Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic: "Where Legends Are Born"

The Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic, presented by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, returned to Redlands from April 8 through 12 for its 31st year of races. The first three days of the Redlands Bicycle Classic featured circuit races and time trials in Highland, Big Bear, and Yucaipa, respectively. The final two days of the classic, April 11 and 12, were concluded in Redlands. The Redlands Bicycle Classic is the longest continuous running stage race in American bike racing. The bicycle classic's motto is "Where Legends Are Born," a slogan with much truth behind it; many of the stage winners throughout the years have gone on to win stages in more famous cycling races like the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. It is not uncommon to see well known pro-cyclists in Redlands for the event, and this year was no different; American rider Chris Horner, champion of the 2013 Vuelta a España and several-time winner of the Redlands Bicycle Classic, returned this year to compete in the race. Although many speculated early on that Horner would win the overall title for the men’s standings, it was Phil Gaimon from team Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies who earned that honor. Mara Abbott from team LA Sweat took the overall women’s title. In addition to the races for the Men and Women’s pro teams, the final weekend included criteriums for amateur racers at all levels, public races and the R.U.F.F. ride, a public charity ride to benefit animals. “As much as I love to see the pros ride, I really enjoy coming out to see the amateur racers,” explained Redlands resident Michelle Christensen. “A lot of the amateur racers are from the local community, so it’s great to go out and support them,” said Christensen. The bicycle classic has become somewhat of a Redlands tradition, with many local residents coming out to support the racers and the community. “I’m drawn to the racing because of the passion and intensity. The energy of all the people around the participants radiates a sense of celebration and life,” said Race Marshal Autumn Cisneros. Cisneros, who used to be a racer herself, always finds a way to support the many racers. “I marshaled this year as a return of service for all those years I spent on the pavement,” explained Cisneros. Since the race is organized by an all-volunteer committee, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Community members can volunteer to be race marshals, judges, or even host families. Oak Glen resident Ruben Rosas, a long time fan of cycling and the Redlands Bicycle Classic, has hosted riders for the last three years. This involves giving the riders a place to stay for the duration of the bicycle classic, since many teams are not local. For the last two years, he has opened his home to the women’s development team, JETCycling. “I think hosting is an awesome way to get more involved, because you see the racers before and after the races; you get to see their personalities,” said Rosas. “It’s a way that people can get more into the Redlands classic as opposed of just going to watch it.” Though the primary focus of the Redlands Bicycle Classic is cycling, the event has become as much of a community event as it is a sporting event. In addition to cycling, the final two days of the event include a healthy living festival with vendors, live entertainment, and food. “I am admittedly not the biggest cycling fan, but I live in the area, and every year I come down with my family to enjoy the festivities downtown,” said resident Meghann Long. “Events like this really make the community of Redlands great.”