The Redlands Bicycle Classic Committee and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians announced their partnership to present the 33rd Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic. This event will be held May 3rd-7th, in Redlands, Ca and surrounding cities. The Classic has the distinction of being the longest continuously running in U.S. cycling history, and a key stage race on the 2016 USA Cycling Pro Road Tour, a series of competitive cycling events held throughout the country during the course of approximately six months.
2017 is the fifth consecutive year of the partnership that has expanded the event, bringing racers, spectators and the broader community new opportunities to participate in the Classic. This year will mark second year two stages will be contested in the nearby City of Highland, third year for a stage in the City of Yucaipa. In addition, the partnership continues to grow the large-scale school visit program serving more than 12,000 local school children with visit from pro cyclists, and a message about healthy eating an exercise habits.
“As a community partner and major employer in the Inland Empire community, San Manuel is proud to be the presenting sponsor for the fifth straight year,” said San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. “The Classic promotes our local communities to the world by providing professional cyclists with a key stage race on the 2017 USA Cycling Pro Road Tour.”
“We are excited and fortunate to continue our partnership with San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Together, we have forged a significant investment in the communities, continue to bring new and exciting events, while increasing our footprint in the area”, said new Classic President Marc Shaw. “It is an honor to have a presenting sponsor with such a rich heritage in our communities, and who shares our vision of promoting a healthy lifestyle”.
For 33 years, Redlands has been host to thousands from the local community and around the world, as more than 500 volunteers put on a world class event in the form of bike racing. Athletes of all abilities – from toddlers barely able to touch the pedals to seasoned professionals ready to become the next legend – compete while the world watches as Redlands and surrounding communities put on this fantastic community event.
The professional men and women’s races will include five tough days of racing. It kicks off on May 3rd in the City of Highland wtih a tough 8 mile Time Trial on Wednesday, a grueling road race in the cities of Yucaipa and Oak Glen on Thursday, back to Highland for a Circuit Race of Friday, and wrapping up in downtown City of Redlands with a 1.2 mile criterium course Saturday, and the famous Sunset Road Race on Sunday. For more information, including race times, distances, and volunteer opportunities, visit redlandsclassic.com.
