April 3, 2008
Contact:
Brian
McCulloch
Tel: 951-313-4322
PossAbilities Handcycle Prologue Race Kicks-off 2008
Redlands Bicycle Classic
Redlands, Calif. - April 3, 2008 - For the second year,
the PossAbilities Handcycle Race brought some of the
most inspirational athletes to the 2008 Redlands Bicycle
Classic, presented by PossAbilities. A wide range of
handcyclists, from local athletes to world champions
lined up at the April 3rd Prologue starting line with
unbridled strength as they prepared to fight for the
best position. Scott McNeice took first for the kneeseat
(athletes racing while kneeling on seat based on extent
of disability); David Lee was first across the line for
the longseat (athletes with legs extended); and Erica
Davis won the women's race.
The prologue's 5K course, the season opener for the
U.S. Handcycling Series, is one of the more challenging
races many athlete's face. After a start on Highland
Ave., the route begins a steady climb to Wabash Ave.,
where it turns into an 8% grade, before finishing in
the Sunset Drive hills.
The PossAbilities event blurs the line between people
with disabilities and those without as it displays the
sheer determination and talent of the handcyclists. "Despite
the tough terrain, handcyclists understand how to overcome
obstacles," says Hoai Luong, PossAbilities program
coordinator. "These riders overcome obstacles everyday,
which is an inspiration in itself. They are propelled
to champion status when they come out here and exceed
the ordinary, challenging themselves above and beyond."
Several of the competitors are world champions. McNeice
is the first ever handcycling champion and has held every
title handcycling offers. He is on track to compete in
Beijing for the 2009 Olympic Games. Lee won the 2007
Redlands Bicycle Classic Handcycle competition and is
also aiming for Beijing in 2009.
The 2008 handcycle races continue on Friday, April 4,
with the first Handcycle Circuit Race in downtown Redlands,
near City Hall. The final event will take place Sunday,
April 6, with the PossAbilities Handcycle Criterium on
Citrus Ave. in downtown Redlands.
Top Ten Fishers
PLACE NAME
1 Scott McNeice
2 Oz Sanchez
3 David Lee
4 Carlos Moleda
5 Neil Harding
6 Gerard Ah Fook
7 Dan Davies
8 Rick Gilliland
9 Harold Warner
10 Erica Davis
About the Redlands Bicycle Classic
The Redlands Bicycle Classic is an all-volunteer organization, including the board of directors. The 24th annual Redlands Bicycle Classic is scheduled for April 3-6, 2008. The event was founded in 1985 by a community group chaired by then Mayor Carole Beswick to promote awareness of downtown Redlands. Since that time, professional cyclists from around the world have been racing in this event centered around the city of Redlands, California. The Redlands Bicycle Classic is on the United States Cycling Federation (USCF) National Racing Calendar (NCR).
About PossAbilities
PossAbilities is a community outreach program of Loma Linda University Rehabilitation, Orthopaedic, and Neurosciences Institute. Membership to PossAbilities is free and there are no age restrictions. For more information: www.mypossabilities.com
About the city of Beaumont
The city of Beaumont is a growing community nestled in the San Gorgonio Pass between Mount San Gorgonio and Mount San Jacinto. Founded in 1912, the city has a population approaching 32,000 and was named the fastest growing city in the state of California for the year 2006. Beaumont is attracting a host of newcomers who are eager to enjoy the city's numerous amenities, including a strong history, low crime, high quality of life, and planned growth. Along with an increasing number of residents, many businesses have also moved into the area, resulting in a well balanced community that is becoming known as a great place to live, work, and play.
