The organizing committee for the Redlands Bicycle Classic announces 2017 race dates May 3-7, 2017. The 5 day stage race will move from its traditional early April dates to accommodate a request from USA Cycling Pro Road Tour to be a lead-in domestic stage race prior to the Tour of California.
“As we plan the 33rd edition of America’s most notable cycling event, we are excited to partner with USA Cycling and several other races to craft a schedule that will benefit the entire cycling community, particularly the teams who travel across the country to participate in the Pro Road Tour calendar. In 2017, the Redlands Bicycle Classic will move back to May, where it all started in 1985, allowing the west coast to host two of the most amazing cycling classics – back to back”. States RBC President Marc Shaw.
The stage race will continue with five stages in the cities of Highland, Yucaipa/Oak Glen, and Redlands. The new dates reflect a desire to have a better flow for race teams who travel back and forth across the country to compete in highly desired multi-day stage races.
“The Redlands Bicycle Classic is an American cycling treasure and has long been an essential part of the fabric of elite cycling in this country,” said USA Cycling CEO Derek Bouchard-Hall. “It now takes on even greater importance in 2017 as it leads into the AMGEN Tour of California. The worlds’ best riders will be privileged to race on the roads of the beautiful Redlands area in preparation for AToC!”
The organizing committee plans to keep the format similar to past years: a time trial, a circuit race in the city of Highland, a road race in Yucaipa with an Oak Glen finish, and the final weekend in Redlands with downtown criterium and famous Sunset road race.
