April 4, 2008
Contact:
Brian
McCulloch
Tel: 951-313-4322
2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic Stage One Circuit Race
Women's Results
Redlands, Calif. - April 4, 2008 - The skies cleared
and the wind somewhat cooperated on April 4, as the pro
women cyclists crowded the starting line of the 2008
Redlands Bicycle Classic Stage One Circuit race in Beaumont,
Calif., ready for 4 laps of 17.5 miles. After battling
it out with her breakaway companions, Katherine Carroll,
from Aaron's sprinted to a big win in Stage One. Alex
Wrubleski, from Webcor Builders followed with second;
and Leigh Hobson, from Cheerwine grabbed third. Mara
Abbott, from High Road, just a few seconds behind in
a group that bridged to the breakaway kept the yellow
jersey, coming off of her win at Thursday's Prologue
race.
"Our team raced well today; we knew we had to put
pressure on High Road," reflected Carroll. "I
got a little antsy and ended up being on my own for a
while. I hoped to hold it so I could repay my team for
all their hard work. Winning the green jersey wasn't
the objective for the day, but my legs worked."
This year's course required different strategy from
the former Oak Glen Stage One race. The 17.5 mile course
takes riders through Beaumont's rolling hills, bordered
by open fields and a cheering community. However, Bogart
Park's grueling hill throws some of the hardest obstacles
at cyclists. After the steep climb, sand rides the wind
as it surrounds the riders. In order to come out strong,
the athletes have to stick with the group and hold on
to their place. However, many found the challenge inviting.
"I thought the course was fantastic," said
Hobson. "It was definitely a challenge with the
climb, but it wasn't as selective as a mountain top finish.
Teams could race more aggressively."
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.
