April 6, 2008
Contact:
Brian
McCulloch
Tel: 951-313-4322
Handcyclists Continue to Inspire as they Conclude their
Final Race of the 2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic
Redlands, Calif. - April 6, 2008 - All eyes were glued
on Oz Sanchez and Scott McNiece as they made the competition
soar in the PossAbilities Handcycle Criterium at the
2008 Redlands Bicycle Classic. Not only was today's win
the goal, but the winner would earn the overall championships
for the most points accumulated over the three days of
handcycling. It was neck and neck for the entire race
until Sanchez burst past McNiece on the next to last
lap and continued to gain speed on every turn, until
claiming his victory for the knee seat category. David
Lee took top honors for today's long seat cyclists, and
Erica Davis was the winner for females. Overall second
and third went to McNiece and David Lee, respectively.
Today, Sanchez, who usually goes out hard from the beginning,
paced himself until he let all his power unleash in the
final two laps. He pushed past the gradual uphill final
leg of the race with a smile spread across his face.
"Today was a great pace with awesome athletes," said
Lee, who has been a handcyclists for 14 years. "I
road with my own pace, which was difficult, but I had
a great time. This is my life."
The crowd was inspired by the courage all racers showed
in pushing themselves to their limits. Local hero and
former San Bernardino city Police Officer Dan Davies
was a crowd favorite as he completed his first race downtown.
Not only were the professional handcyclists present,
many of whom are looking toward Beijing, but a beginners
PossAbilities group came out to ride side by side with
the world class athletes.
"Redlands is one of the few races that has a handcycle
race integrated with the pro race," said Willie
Stewart, director for PossAbilities. "This is an
integrated race where disabled athletes have an equal
say as the able athletes. These are not only phenomenal
athletes, they are a true inspiration."
Ian Lawless, the executive director of the U.S. Handcycling
Federation
echoed Stewart's sentiments. "We're excited that
the Redlands Bicycle Classic puts itself out there to
set the precedent for an integrated race," he said. "It's
especially important because we'll have more disabilities
as veterans come back from Iraq. PossAbilities helps
them get their lives back."
The Redlands Bicycle Committee, along with Stewart,
presented vice president of Loma Linda University Medical
Center East Campus, Michael Jackson with a special award
for having founded the PossAbilities programs. PossAbilities
has been istrumental in making the Redlands Bicycle Classic
happen, serving as the presenting sponsor for the past
two year.
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.
