23rd Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic boasts one of the strongest fields in North American cycling, with all events featuring prominent teams on the National Racing Calendar (NCR).
"I am very excited that both defending champions are back with a full field of 25 teams on the men's side, with 18 of those teams licensed to race internationally through their UCI designation," says Brian King, race director. "This could be Redlands' strongest field ever as we also have the top women's teams in North America."
Health Net, presented by Maxxis, is back to defend its team title with defending men's champion Nathan O'Neil, who is backed by his teammate and fellow top five NRC finalist Karl Menzies. Toyota-United, Colavita, Navigators Insurance, Jelly Belly, and Slipstream will all return with their top riders. In addition, a Southern California-based Team 5 Star Fish, led by SoCal Cup champion Karl Bordine, Paul Che, Peter Anderson, Chris DeMarchi, Dan Vinson, and other top SoCal Cup finishers will join the field.
The women's field is also one of the biggest ever with 18 teams representing the best in women's bicycle racing. Defending champion, Amber Neben returns with her Stahl/SC Velo team. National champion and Olympian Christine Thorburn also coasts back to Redlands with her Webcor teammates, ready to test the competition. T-Mobile, led by sprint star Ina Yoko-Teutenberg and Kim Anderson return, elevating the competitive edge for Cheerwine, TEAm Lipton, Colavita-Sutter Home, and Bicycle Johns.
Classic spectators will have several opportunities to view a sea of jerseys flying by in the hills of Redlands as well as at the Citrus Ave. Start/Finish Line. There will be a festival with live entertainment, food and beverages, as well as a beer garden.
