REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Bicycle Classic returns April 8-12 for its 41st year, marking the 40th edition of the race, bringing five days of professional cycling, downtown road closures and traffic impacts across the city.
Founded in 1985, the Classic is the nation’s longest-running invitational professional cycling stage race. SERVPRO of South Redlands/Yucaipa is the presenting sponsor for the first time.
The event includes a five-stage professional race as well as amateur and youth races and a weekend run.
Here’s what to know about the race schedule and street closures.
Stage 1 — Wednesday, April 8
Lake Perris Recreation Area Start: north end of Perris Dam | Finish: Alta Calle Road
10 a.m. — Toyota of Redlands Time Trial (women, 11.2 miles)
11:45 a.m. — Toyota of Redlands Time Trial (men, 11.2 miles)
1:45 p.m. — LLU Health Time Trial (juniors, 11.2 miles)
Residents should plan for road closures beginning Thursday and continuing through race weekend, with the most significant impacts in and around downtown Redlands.
On Thursday, April 9, a loop near Redlands Airport will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The route includes Pioneer Avenue and Sessums Drive to Wabash Avenue, east along East San Bernardino Avenue and south on Judson Street.
Beginning Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m., hard closures will take effect in downtown Redlands and remain in place through 8 p.m. Sunday, April 12, for the Stage 4 criterium and surrounding events.
Hard closure areas include Citrus Avenue from Ninth Street to Fourth Street; portions of Fifth through Ninth streets; Olive Avenue west of Fourth Street; Orange Street and Cajon Street south of Olive Avenue; and Vine Street west of Fourth Street. “Hard closures” mean streets are fully closed to vehicle traffic, with access limited to emergency responders and controlled entry for residents.
Several additional streets will be closed to through traffic, including Fourth Street, Cajon Street, Nordina Street, Sonora Street and Myrtle Avenue between Olive Avenue and Clark Street. Access for residents will be managed by on-site 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.
A former broadcast news producer, Stephanie launched CFR in 2023. Originally from Michigan, she’s made Redlands home with her husband and three kids. When she’s not reporting, she’s problem-solving at the climbing gym or trying new local restaurants.
