Redlands Bicycle Classic Stage 3

by Lenny B

Sunday, April 04, 2010 at 06:48 AM EDT

Evelyn Stevens and Alejandro Borrajo take Stage Three of the 26th Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic, Concludes Four Days of World-Class Racing

Redlands, Calif. — Stage Three of the Redlands Bicycle Classic, powered by PossAbilities and presented by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is notoriously tough, challenging even for the greatest athletes. A fast downtown start opens into a 6.2-mile loop on twisting hills with 500 feet of climb per lap for a total of 142 kilometers for the men and 99.5 kilometers for the women.

As the women approached their final laps of the stage, there was a slight gap off the front led by Evelyn Stevens from HTC Columbia. The field followed closely behind with a powerful surge threatening to close in on the lead. Stevens maintained her power, clenching victory as the first woman across the line. Stevens’ teammate, Ina-Yoko Teutenberg finished in second and Carmen Small of Colavita/ Baci presented by Cooking Light grabbed third. Teutenberg’s second place finish ensured her win for the General Classification. “It was painful out there,” said Teutenberg. “There were some of the best riders around out there pushing an attack. Without Evelyn and my team, I couldn’t have done it.”

Stage 3 Results - Women
1. Evelyn Stevens (HTC Columbia)
2. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (HTC Columbia)
3. Carmen Small (Colavit/BAC/Cooking Light)

Final General Classification - Women
1. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (HTC Columbia)
2. Katharine Carroll (Peanut Butter & Co. Twenty 12)
3. Alexis Rhodes (Team Vera Bradley Foundation)
4. Amber Neben (Dare to Be - BMW-Bianchi)
5. Evelyn Stevens (HTC Columbia)
6. Mara Abbott (Peanut Butter & Co. Twenty 12)
7. Alison Powers (Team Vera Bradley Foundation)
8. Meredith Miller (TIBCO/To The Top Pro Cycling)
9. Robin Farina (Team Vera Bradley Foundation)
10. Carmen Small (Colavit/BAC/Cooking Light)

The men’s race was a fully-engaged battle, with Team Fly V Australia fighting to hold on to Ben Day’s General Classification victory. As the men returned to the downtown for their final five laps, the final competitors exchanged positions, negotiated the turns and pushed as hard as they could, all vying for the win. As the field surged forward, chasing Luis Amaran who held the front for two laps. In the end, Alejandro Borrajo of Jamis Sutter Home/Colavita burst past the line in first with Charles Dionne from Fly V Australia and Raymond Kreder of Holowesko Partners U23 closing quickly behind. Despite not winning the stage, Team Fly V Australia’s Ben Day was able to hold onto his overall win in the General Classification. “The course out there was twisting and tight,” said Day. “There was an early break on the climb so it was a lively start. The team really has come together well. It’s inspiring and emotional to be a part of it. This is an amazing group of guys and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.”

Stage 3 Results - Men
1. Alejandro Borrajo (Jamis Sutter Home/Colavita)
2. Charles Dionne (Fly V Australia)
3. Raymond Kreder (Holowesko Partners U23)

Final General Classification - Men
1. Benjamin Day (Fly V Australia)
2. Ben Jacques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling)
3. Will Routley (Jelly Belly presented by Kenda)
4. Kiel Reynen (Jelly Belly presented by Kenda)
5. Carter Jones (Jelly Belly presented by Kenda)
6. Rory Sutherland (UnitedHealthcare presented by Maxxis)
7. Luis Amaran (Jamis Sutter Home/Colavita)
8. Andy Jacques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling)
9. Jeremy Vennell (Bissell Pro Cycling)
10. Paul Mach (Bissell Pro Cycling)

Sunday’s PossAbilities Handcycle Criterium marked the fourth day of racing for the handcyclists. Newcomer Kyle Massey earned his second victory of the weekend, finishing with a huge gap between him and the field. “It was the last day of racing so I gave it my all,” said Massey. “I got to hang with the guys at the beginning and learn some drafting. Then, I got the nod and went for it.” Steve Hoffman finished second and Greg Course third. The inspiration of these athletes resonated through the crowd as they showed the perseverance, determination and spirit of a true athlete. “Never give up; you never know where you’re going to end up. You have to give it your all.” said Delmon Dunston, an H1 handcyclist who is also new to the sport.

For more information, including race times, distances, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.redlandsclassic.com.

This article originally appeared on Triple Crankset.