The 30th annual Redlands Bicycle Classic presented by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians continued today at Big Bear Lake California. The Race was returning to Big Bear for the second consecutive year.
The day of racing featured a challenging and technical 7.8 mile Time Trial course. The course featured an out and back route on the north side of the Big Bear lake with a turnaround in Fawnskin. The weather conditions were on everyone’s mind the night before, but the day ended up being more sun than clouds and the course was fast and dry. The Big Bear TT course once again lived up to the billing for both racers and spectators alike. It’s easy to see why races like the Amgen Tour of California have visited the Big Bear area.
In a repeat performance of last year Alison Powers (United Healthcare) smashed the field with a time of 16:22, the time was 35 seconds faster than the second place finisher. The time would also end up vaulting her into the lead and a yellow jersey. Powers led all riders posting a time of 16:22 and capturing the stage win. Leah Kirchmann (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) finished 16:58 to capture 2nd while Tayler Wiles (Specialized – Lululemon) rounded out the podium in 3rd with a time of 17:04.
The GC following the women’s Stage 2 results are Alison Powers (United Healthcare), Leah Kirchmann (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) 34 seconds back, followed by Tayler Wiles of Specialized Lululemon 41 seconds back.
In the Men’s field, there was almost had a repeat performance of last year. Tom Zirbel (Optum p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies) finished 2nd last year. This time he was not to be denied the stage victory and put up the fasted time of 14:56. Tom was followed by Serghei Tvetcov of Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis at 15:02 while finishing 3rd was Hunter Grove (Incycle-Predator Components), 15 seconds back at 15:11.
The Men’s GC following Stage 2 results are Tom Zirbel (Optum p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies), William Routley (Optum p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies) was 1 second back, followed by Travis McCabe (Smart Shop) at 5 seconds back. The top 10 men are separated by 17 seconds.
Tomorrow the race heads to the city of Beaumont for Stage 3. The Men’s race begins at 9:45 am with a 120.5 mile circuit road race, while the Women begin at 9:55am going 72.3 miles.
This year’s event will be held April 2 – 6, 2014 in Redlands, CA and surrounding cities. The race features professional men and women’s races that will include five tough days of racing, beginning with a Circuit Race in the City of Highland on Wednesday, a time trial at Big Bear Lake on Thursday, a grueling road race in the scenic City of Beaumont on Friday, wrapping up in Redlands with a criterium Saturday, and the famous Sunset Road Race on Sunday.
For more information, including race times, distances, and volunteer opportunities, visit redlandsclassic.com.
Photos © Frank Sarate / SoCalCycling.com
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