A local’s guide to the Redlands Bicycle Classic
Redlands Bicycle Classic returns April 8–12. What to know about races, rides, events and road closures.
The 40th edition of the Redlands Bicycle Classic opens Wednesday, April 8, bringing five days of professional cycling, community rides and weekend events to Redlands streets and the surrounding San Bernardino foothills.
Founded in 1985, the Classic is the nation’s longest-running invitational professional cycling stage race. The 2026 field includes men’s and women’s professional categories, with stages ranging from a time trial at Lake Perris to the downtown criterium on Citrus Avenue.
In addition to racing, the weekend features a Vendor Village, youth races, public rides, and a Sunday 5K and Family Fun Walk.
The race: Five stages over five days
This year’s edition includes one time trial, two circuit races, a criterium and a road race.
- Stage 1 — Wednesday, April 8: Lake Perris Time Trial
- Stage 2 — Thursday, April 9: Circuit Race at Hangar 24
- Stage 3 — Friday, April 10: Crafton Hills Circuit Race
- Stage 4 — Saturday, April 11: Downtown Criterium (Citrus Avenue)
- Stage 5 — Sunday, April 12: Sunset Road Race and additional criteriums
Every stage includes men’s and women’s professional fields and, for the first time, junior racers in all five stages.
👉 Full schedule + road closures:
CFR News Desk
School Duel returns April 11
From toddlers to teens, young riders hit the same downtown course as the pros during the School Duel.
Organizers are aiming for a record 1,000 participants as schools compete for bragging rights.
👉 Online registration (free with safety quiz) closes Tuesday, April 7 at 11:59 p.m.:
https://redlandsclassic.com/official-public-races-entry-form/
Race-day registration begins at 7 a.m.
$7 (ages 1–5), $12 (ages 6–17)
$5 late fee applies
Read more:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
Legends’ Fondo returns Saturday
Prefer to ride instead of watch? The Legends’ Fondo offers four route options starting at 8 a.m., all beginning with a lap on the downtown criterium course.
Routes include:
- 67 miles: Oak Glen climb (~5,700 ft elevation gain)
- 52 miles: Sunset + Walnut loop
- 40 miles: Intermediate route
- 15 miles: “Taste of Redlands” scenic ride
Registration includes rest stops, support, Vendor Village voucher, medal and more.
👉 Register:
https://www.bikereg.com/redlands-classic-legends-fondo
Read more:
CFR News Desk
Sunday: 5K + Family Fun Walk
The 3rd Annual Redlands Runs 5K and Family Fun Walk takes place Sunday, April 12.
- Flat, fast course designed for PRs
- Top finishers compete for a $1,000 Dash for Cash
- Family walk welcomes strollers and wagons
Capacity is limited to 500 participants.
Vendor Village: 150+ booths
Located at Citrus Avenue and Sixth Street, the Vendor Village features cycling gear, food and merchandise.
Hours:
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Road closures: What to expect
Closures begin Thursday and expand through the weekend, with the biggest impacts downtown.
Thursday (April 9): Airport area loop closed 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Route: Sessums Drive → Wabash Avenue → E. San Bernardino Avenue → Judson Street -> Pioneer Avenue.
Friday (April 10) at 6 p.m. – Sunday (April 12): Hard closures downtown
Closures include Citrus Avenue (Fourth to Ninth), portions of Fifth through Ninth streets, Olive Avenue west of Fourth Street, Orange/Cajon south of Olive, and Vine Street west of Fourth.
Additional streets will be closed to through traffic, with resident access managed by traffic control officers.
On Sunday, April 12, intermittent closures are expected along the south-side race loop and Redlands Boulevard as riders move through residential neighborhoods during Stage 5.
Organizers advise spectators to arrive early and plan alternate routes.
Follow coverage all week
Stage results, standings and updates will be posted throughout the week:
CFR News Desk
