Redlands Bicycle Classic Stage 1 Recap

Stage 17 Racing woke up early this morning for Stage 1 of Redlands, the 120 mile Beaumont Road Race. Five laps of a 24 mile circuit for a total of 6,000 feet of climbing didn’t stop the field from averaging 26 mph for the entire day.

The team was confident that a top 20 on the stage was not out of the question, especially considering how the team has been riding and connecting so quickly. However, Adam Carr had a rough start, crashing 14 miles in and breaking his bike and pedals.  We were able to get him a set of pedals to use after a lap of limping around, but it was too late and unfortunately will not be able to start tomorrow.

The team proved their mettle against some of the best pros in the country with  Dan Harm always easily located near the front of the field. 

The fourth time of five of up the main climb on the course put major pressure on the field, causing it to split. Art Rand stuck it out to make the lead group. Dan Harm’s flat on lap three and subsequent chase took it out of him for later in the race but he made the second chase group as did Hunter Grove and Ben Bertiger.

Art Rand put himself in a position for a great finish but a front flat in the last few kilometers meant he had to hang onto the back of the group of 40 riders.

159 riders of the original 190 that started will be allowed to start tomorrow, seven of which will be donning Pactimo Stage 17 Racing jerseys.

Tomorrow is a very technical 90 minute criterium that starts in down town Redlands at 4:30 PM.

Tomorrow is also Andrew Goessling’s birthday, so we will look for a special ride from him.