Redlands Bicycle Classic Returns to Southern California May 2-6
The Redlands Bicycle Classic (RBC) and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians are pleased to announce their partnership to present the race for the 34th edition and sixth consecutive year as title sponsor. Racing begins in Big Bear, California on Wednesday, May 2 for five days ending in Redlands on Sunday, May 6. The Classic is the longest continuously running stage race in the United States and one of the most hotly contested on the USA Cycling Pro Road Tour Calendar, a series of competitive cycling events held throughout the country each season.
“We are extremely proud of our partnership with San Manual Band of Mission Indians,” Marc Shaw said, RBC President. “The partnership has created a wide and lasting footprint in the surrounding communities and in the cycling world.”
Racing Consists of Five Exciting Stages
Consisting once again of five stages, the race will open with the return of the Big Bear Time Trial, after a two-year hiatus and for the fourth time in the race’s history. Moving down the mountain for stage 2, the general classification riders will look to gain time in the Yucaipa road race, as both UnitedHealthcare’s Katie Hall and Holowesko Citadel’s TJ Eisenhart did in 2017.
Stage 3 will consist of the popular Highland circuit, with local students cheering for the riders as the race passes directly in front of Arroyo Verde Elementary School. Each year the RBC partners with area schools in a large-scale school visit program that serves over 12,000 local students. Professional teams visit each campus discussing ride safety, healthy eating and exercise. The visits also encourage children to participate in the school duel during Stage 4, where children have the opportunity to race the same course as the pros!
The festivities continue Downtown Redlands during the Stage 4 criterium, with plenty of food, entertainment, and local vendors in the expo throughout the day. The race remains downtown for the start and finish of stage 5 Sunset Road Race, before the 2018 victors are awarded.
Visit SoCalCycling.com’s Event Calendars for upcoming Road Events, Mountain Bike Event & Gravel Grinders and Fun Rides & Gran Fondos throughout the season for great cycling events.
