Stage One of the Redlands Bicycle Classic Flies through Beaumont  
3/26/10 - Nonstop action on a grueling 17-mile circuit through the streets of Beaumont kicked off the Stage One of the 26th Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic. A calm breeze replaced previous years' strong gales, giving the professional cyclists a bit of a break and the chance to put their team strategies into full effect.

Ina Teutenberg (HTC-Columbia) won the Beaumont Stage and picked up time bonuses
bringing her closer to Amber Neben's lead in the Redlands Bicycle Classic.
photo © Mitchell Clinton/ www.clintonphoto.com

The women's race boasted one of the strongest fields in recent history, with many of the sport's toughest competitors. Race winner, Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, marveled at the talent at the front of the peleton. "There was a stronger field this year than there has been in years. All the best American riders were out; the teams definitely brought out their best." Teutenberg, with Team HTC Columbia stayed focused and did what she knew she had to do to clench the win. "I went after the time bonuses and didn't care about the sprint jersey. My team brought me to the lines on the sprints and closed the gaps."

Amber Neben maintained her overall lead in the General Classification with a steady wheel and persistence. "I felt good today. The wind helped keep it together and a lot of people going after jerseys and the stage also kept it together," said Neben, with team Dare to Be-BMW-Bianchi. "I was never in trouble or alone and everything went as expected."

A beautiful course on the Beaumont Stage at the Redlands Bicycle Classic.
photo © Mitchell Clinton/ www.clintonphoto.com

For the men's race, Jelly Belly presented by Kenda, showed another strong effort as Canadian Will Routley monitored the lead group and pounced on opportunity when it was presented just a few miles from the finish line. Routley joined Luis Amaran of Jamis-Colavita and Ben Jacques-Mayne from Bissel and took the sprint just 10 seconds ahead of a fast-charging pack. "This is a great start to the season," said Routley. "The team was well positioned at the front and kept each other safe for the finish."

The men's peloton at the Beaumont Stage at the Redlands Bicycle Classic.
photo © Mitchell Clinton/ www.clintonphoto.com

Today's race pushed the overall General Classification to a tight battle with a mere six seconds separating the top six men. General Classification first place Ben Day of Fly V Australia overcame two bike changes during the race to hold onto his position. "It really becomes a poker game at the last climb; it's not an easy stage. We're happy to hold onto the yellow jersey. Tomorrow's crit is one of the harder races. We are approaching the rest of the stages with the utmost respect. We need to be on our toes and attentive." Ben Jacques-Mayne and Will Routely are second and third for General Classification, respectively, separated by a miniscule one second.

 
Race Leader Ben Day (Fly V Australia) rides in yellow.
photo © Mitchell Clinton/ www.clintonphoto.com

The Redlands Bicycle Classic takes Stage Two to downtown Redlands critium-one of the fastest, most technical races of the season. The 1.2-mile Beaver Medical Group Criterium's start and finish line are on Citrus Ave. giving spectators a front row seat to one of the hottest races of the year and live entertainment and action for everyone.

  
Snow capped mountains in the distance, as the men tackle the
Beaumont Stage at the Redlands Bicycle Classic.
photo © Mitchell Clinton/ www.clintonphoto.com