Redlands Bicycle Classic schedule announced

Organisers have announced the details for the 22nd Redlands Bicycle Classic, which will take place between March 24-26 in Redlands, CA, USA. Kicking off on Friday, March 24, the first stage is the Centennial Bank Time Trial, which will be held on a new course starting on Highland Avenue at Redlands Boulevard in Redlands. Measuring 3.2 miles (5.1 km), the route goes from Highland Avenue to the top of Sunset Drive through the steep rolling hills of South Redlands.

The second stage on Saturday, March 25 is the Beaver Medical Group Criterium, held on a 1 mile (1.6 km) course in downtown Redlands with the Start/Finish Line on Citrus Avenue between Fifth and Sixth Streets. The course is almost flat with nine turns at all different angles including two corners in one intersection. The women will compete for an hour, while the men will race for 90 minutes. Local riders from toddlers to seniors will also participate in sprints and criteriums.

Sunday's final stage is the Sun Sunset Road Race. Riders start and finish on Citrus Avenue, and tackle a tough 6.2 mile (10 km) loop that climbs 500 feet per lap on the south side of Redlands overlooking the city. The race then descends back downtown for five criterium laps to decide the champion. The women ride eight laps for a total of 62 miles, and the men race 11 laps for a total of 88 miles. There will also be criteriums for USCF Categories, starting and finishing on Citrus Avenue in downtown Redlands.

In addition to the racing, there will be other events including an expo on Saturday and Sunday, located atop the parking structure at Citrus Avenue/Sixth Street and the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot; the Kiwanis Club of Redlands Pancake Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning from 7 to 11:30 a.m. in the expo area; the Redlands Bicycle Classic Rotary Ride, a public recreational ride (formerly known as the Tour of the Canyons) offering a variety of fun, scenic and challenging tours for every level of rider; and the Finish Line Party at the Boiler Room, 345 N. Fifth St., which starts at 5pm and goes through until midnight on Saturday.