Longest running cycling race greenlit for its 40th year

REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands City Council has approved $127,708.78 in city resources and in-kind support for the Redlands Bicycle Classic, ensuring the longest-running professional stage race in the country will celebrate its 40th year this April.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the council was also recognized for its ongoing support of the event, which has become a staple in the community and a prestigious competition for professional cyclists.

Scott Welsh, media director for the Redlands Bicycle Classic and a longtime volunteer, presented the recognition on behalf of more than 300 current volunteers, an executive board led by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, and an organizing committee of more than 60 members who work year-round to coordinate the event.

“As hard as it is to believe, we’re celebrating 40 years since the first running of the Classic,” Welsh said. “What started as a brainstorm from a very sharp and visionary mayor in Carole Beswick to help bring attention to a downtown that had seen some decline has turned into a seminal annual event.”

The Redlands Bicycle Classic, Welsh emphasized, is more than just a race—it is a “magical happening” that brings together city leadership, public works employees, and public safety officials to make the event possible. He praised the support of the city’s police and fire departments, calling their cooperation “truly priceless.”

One of the standout features of the Classic, Welsh noted, is its engagement with local students. Through a program led by Dan and Michele Rendler, professional cyclists visit local schools, reaching more than 10,000 students annually with lessons on health, fitness, and nutrition.

The event also provides a unique opportunity for about 500 children to participate in races on the same downtown course used by professional cyclists.

Welsh also highlighted the Classic’s host housing program, overseen by Robyn Purves, which allows local families to provide accommodations for many of the participating athletes. “Most of them couldn’t afford to come to town without this amazing gift of housing,” Welsh said. “And there’s a bonus—what kid in America can say they had to give up their bedroom for a week to an Olympian or a world champion?”

Beyond cycling, the event has fostered a robust Vendor Village featuring more than 75 businesses and local organizations, including the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs. Welsh noted that the Rotary Club has been serving cold beer as a fundraiser for “as many years as I can remember.”

The Redlands Bicycle Classic has grown into a prestigious event for professional cyclists, attracting future Olympians, world champions, and Tour de France participants. The upcoming race, scheduled for April 9-13, will once again bring elite athletes to Redlands.

As a token of appreciation, Welsh presented the council with a replica of Peloton Takes the Curve, a piece of artwork located at the top of Garden Street near the fire station, created by artist Kathleen King-Page.

“We hope it serves as a reminder for many years and decades to come of what this bike race means to our community,” Welsh said.

Mayor Mario Saucedo, speaking on behalf of the council, thanked the Classic’s organizers and volunteers for their dedication. “This is a fantastic event that brings so much to our city,” Saucedo said. “We are grateful for all you do for our community.”

The Redlands Bicycle Classic remains one of the longest-running professional cycling races in the nation, with a deep-rooted history in the city.

You can find continuing coverage of the 2025 Redlands Bicycle Classic here at Community Forward Redlands.

This article was originally published on 03/06/25 at 11:08 and updated at 11:57.