Redlands, CA — In the world of professional cycling, there are legendary feats and there are legendary riders. Few, if any, ever attain the stature of the latter, but Christine Thorburn can certainly be classified among their ranks.Thorburn’s dedication and self motivation represent the true essence of professional cycling; along with personal sacrifice and unrelenting determination Thorburn did everything right to leave an enduring impression on the sport. For her efforts she will be recognized by The Redlands Bicycle Classic Organizing Committee and honored as the recipient of the 2009 ‘Legends Award’.
As one of a few American cyclists to experience success on the world stage, Thorburn’s palmares include a silver medal at the 2005 Pan Am Games; two top five finishes at the UCI World Championships, including a bronze medal; as well as five others medals from U.S. National Championship competition.
Locally, Thorburn created some indelible memories with a victory in the 2005 edition of the Redlands Bicycle Classic, and a US National Time Trial Championship the year prior in Redlands. The latter helped solidify her spot on the 2004 US Olympic team.
Along with her legendary race results, Thorburn is equally, if not more so, accomplished off her bicycle. A graduate of the Stanford University School of Medicine, the Davenport, Iowa native is a well established Rheumatologist in the Palo Alto area. It was this balance and display of commitment that caught the attention of the Redlands Bicycle Classic Organizing Committee and ultimately awarded her the 2009 Redlands Bicycle Classic ‘Legends Award’.
Thorburn was touched by the honor of being chosen as the 2009 ‘Legends Award’ recipient. “I am incredibly honored to be awarded the 2009 Redlands Bicycle Classic ‘Legends Award’,” said Thorburn. “There are so many amazing athletes and individuals who have raced Redlands over the 25 years of its existence that I do not feel particularly special among them. The list of winners reads as a ‘who's who’ in North American road cycling.”
Race Director Dan Rendler shared his own excitement with the RBC Organizing Committees’ choice for the 2009 ‘Legends Award’ and said, “Christine is an excellent ambassador for the sport of professional cycling. I have had the pleasure of getting to know her over the past several years and found her to be an athlete and person of high integrity with exceptional character on and off her bicycle; she is well deserving of this award, my family and I wish her the best as she transitions into the next phase of her life.”
Thorburn continued her sentiments for the Redlands area by saying “Redlands has been a special place for me since my first visit in 2004. The volunteers and host families make the RBC so much more than a bike race – it feels like my home away from home. Thank you for this amazing honor as I transition from my cycling career to the next phase of my life.”
For more information, including race times, distances and volunteer opportunities, visit www.redlandsclassic.com.
Photo: USA Cycling
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