Davis Phinney is a name that needs little introduction in the minds of cycling enthusiasts. The man is the first American to win a stage of the Tour de France (in ’86, which he followed with another win in the ’87 Tour), was US Pro Road Champion in 1991, eight-time points classification winner of the Coors Classic as well as overall winner in the 1988 edition of the race, and represented the United States in the 1984 Olympics earning a bronze medal in the Team Time Trial. This is all on top of his results at the Redlands Bicycle Classic which include three stage wins (Stage 1, TTT, and Stage 4) plus the overall leaders’ jersey in the 1986 event, as well as stage wins in both the ’87 and ’90 edition of the race.
As impressive a cycling resume as Mr. Phinney boasts, his ‘off the bike’ accomplishments stir the same admiration and respect, but the scope of his imprint is much larger, it’s the worldwide population afflicted with Parkinson’s disease that Davis is now the champion for. Having been diagnosed with the disease at age 40, Davis now is the spokesman, visionary, and inspiration for the Davis Phinney Foundation, dedicated to helping people living with Parkinson’s live well, today.
All of these accolades and accomplishments along with a rich history of success at the Redlands Bicycle Classic make Davis the perfect candidate to receive the ‘Legends Award’, presented by the Redlands Bicycle Classic Organizing Committee.
Davis Phinney explained, “Redlands is pure roots of American bike racing and so much a part of my career honor to have won there. In a way a real turning point for me as a stage racer. So many great volunteers and quality racing, it’s just a model event in every way. I am excited to return to Redlands and so honored to receive this prestigious Legends award.”
In its 6th year of presentation the ‘Legends Award’ is awarded to esteemed members of the cycling community that have contributed to the sport of cycling on and off of their bicycles. Each of the previous five recipients have a rich history of participation with the Redlands Bicycle Classic and have used the event as a spring-board to go onto the world stage, which lends to the RBC motto: ‘Where Legends Are Born!”
The Legends Award will be presented to Davis during a special ceremony at the Stage 2 Downtown Criterium on Saturday March 24th, a fitting site, as it is the location of his final stage win at the Redlands Bicycle Classic.
