2009 Redlands Bicycle Classic - Stage 1 – Teutenberg, Louder Blow Through Field

Redlands, CA — This past Friday, top national and international racers took to the streets of Beaumont, California for Stage 1 of the 2009 Redlands Bicycle Classic (RBC). Despite prevalent winds that battered both women’s and men’s fields, causing some to jokingly rename the city “Blowmont,” racing was fast and furious.

The day’s events started with an 18-mile Handcycle race through the downtown area. With nearly double the number of athletes participating, the 2009 edition at the Redlands Bicycle Classic once again kicked off the eight-round U.S. Handcycling Series. Nearly thirty handcyclists, including Carlos Moleda, a former Navy SEAL and Ironman world record holder (wheel chair athlete); Monica Bascio a former world handcycling champion (2002) and 2-time U.S. National Handcycling Champion; David Randall the defending U.S. Handcycling Series overall champion (long-seat); Erica Davis defending RBC champion (women’s division); Matt Updike former 2-time U.S. National Handcycling champion and 2008 Olympic Team member; and Scott McNeice winner of the 2008 RBC and defending U.S. Handcycling Series champion (knee-seat), battled over three days of racing, which began with an uphill time trial last Thursday, March 26th.

Harold Bostick would take the men’s competition, while Monica Bascio was the class of the women’s field.

Handcycle Results - Men
1. Harold Bostick
2. Matt Updike
3. David Randall

Handcycle Results - Women
1. Monica Bascio
2. Erica Davis
3. Katie Terry

The Stage 1 Circuit Race took place over a 22.3-mile loop that the men completed four times and the women three.

In past editions, the courses long leg stretches usually featured fast-paced sprints, but the wind turned the race into a chess match. “The hills on the course hurt, but the wind was more challenging,” said Ina Teutenberg (Team Columbia Highroad). “You really have to be mentally alert because there could be a breakaway at any minute and you can’t let it get away from you.”

Teutenberg was especially attentive on the day and took the win ahead of Tina Pic (Colavita Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light) and Team TIBCO’s Lauren Tamayo. Tamayo’s teammates, Kat Carroll and Meredith Miller would slide into 4th and 5th position, respectively.

Stage 1 Results – Women
1. Ina Teutenberg (Team Columbia Highroad)
2. Tina Pic (Colavita Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light)
4. Lauren Tamayo (Team TIBCO)

Images

In the men’s race, a group of four decided the outcome. BMC Racing’s Jeff Louder would throw his hands up in victory as he powered past his three breakaway companions.

"It was a windy day, so sometimes it felt like you were riding straight into a wall," said Louder. "There was a low downhill drive and I knew if we got down there and pushed it, it should work out, and it did. Overall this was a really tactical race. You don't see a lot of these types of races in America, so it was good to be a part of it."

Will Routley (Jelly Belly) and Peter Stetina (Garmin-Holoweko Partners-Felt) would round out the podium. Tom Zirbel (Bissell Pro Cycling) and Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Colavita Sutter Home) would finish in 4th and 5th, respectively.

Stage 1 Results - Men
1. Jeff Louder (BMC Racing)
2. Will Routley (Jelly Belly)
3. Peter Stetina (Garmin-Holoweko Partners-Felt)

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Next: Stage Two – Criterium (1.2 mile course) Redlands, CA