On a steamy hot day in Highland, California, the Redlands Bicycle Classic presented by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians got rolling on a tight circuit with a nasty sting. The 2.8 mile course began with a neutral start but quickly hit the first of many climbs up a 10 percent grade. The women had 14, and the men 20 laps to complete on the technical course.
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Scotti Lechuga of the Hagens-Berman/Supermint team won the women’s race with a charge up the hill the final climb, followed by Alison Jackson and Kristin Armstrong of the Twenty16/RideBiker team.
“I was proud of the girls today”, said Lechuga “I told them we should ride conservatively and save it for the end.”
In the men’s race, a break was established early with Ruben Campanioni of Team Jamis riding away in the final laps and holding off a charging pack for the biggest win of his career. His teammate Sebastian Haedo out sprinted the group for second, followed by Travis McCabe of Holwesko/Citadel Hincapie to round out the podium.
Campanioni said through an interpreter, “I was hurting so bad on the last lap, but I turned around and saw I still had a gap, and forced myself to continue”.
Stage two is another big day with a road race in the scenic community of Yucaipa, and a finish with a climb to famous village of Oak Glen.
For more information, including race times, distances, and daily video highlights, visit redlandsclassic.com.
Be sure to check out SoCalCycling.com’s Event Calendars for upcoming Road Events, Mountain Bike Events and Fun Rides throughout the season for great cycling events.
