The Redlands Bicycle Classic presented by San Manuel band of Mission Indians came to an exciting end on the streets of Redlands Sunday. The final day of the Classic featured the Sunset Road Race, and if the past has taught us anything being the race leader in the Yellow Jersey isn’t a guarantee of success going into Sunset.
As previously billed Francesco Mancebo (5hr Energy p/b Kenda) was looking to return to the top spot of the podium after coming up short last year. Chad Haga(Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) had the slimmest of margins lead going into the final stage leading by a mere 5 seconds.
Photos © Christy Nicholson / EchelonDesignPhoto.com
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Andres Corrales (Elbowz Racing p/b Boneshaker) had ridden out front for most of the day ahead of the field. Mancebo bridged across to Andres to build a 25 second gap over the field. That gap was more than enough time to take the Yellow Jersey from Chad Haga. The stage victory on Citrus Avenue in front of the cheering crowds was the cherry on top.
The final stage results were Francesco Mancebo( 5hr Energy p/b Kenda) hitting the line 21 seconds ahead of Juan Jose Haedo (Jamis Hagens Berman p/b Sutter). Travis McCabe (Elbowz Racing p/b Boneshaker) finished third to round out the Sunset podium. The final GC results were Francesco Mancebo Chad Haga 2nd and Tom Zirbel of Optum remained in 3rd place.
On the Women’s side Alison Powers Yellow jersey seemed more secure as she had won the first three stages of the classic and was holding 52 second lead going into Sunday’s stage. Mara Abbott was the aggressive rider of the afternoon as she was able to make a move that got her in a solo move finally winning the stage by 21 seconds. The yellow jersey group never let the gap put Alison’s overall victory in jeopardy. Mara Abbott (Exergy Twenty 16) stayed away long enough to seal the stage win.
Joelle Numainville(Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) finished 2nd with Joanne Kiesanowski (Team Tibco) finished in 3rd in the Sunset Stage.
The final women podium remained the same as Alison Powers (NOW and Novartis for MS) captured the Classic victory going wire to wire in yellow from day one by 54 seconds. Tayler Wiles (Specialized LULULEMON) 2nd and Rhae Shaw (Vanderkitten) 3RD.
Photo © Christy Nicholson / EchelonDesignPhoto.com
