March 14, 2020 – Redlands, CA – The Redlands Classic stage race, a USA Pro Road Cycling Tour event, has been cancelled for 2020. The 36th annual race had been scheduled for April 22-26, 2020. The race cited concerns with the COVID-19 coronavirus. The cancellation follows the recent cancellation of the Tour of the Gila. Both races were set to livestream to viewers.
Race Director Marc Shaw sent out the following email on Friday:
Throughout the past week, the Redlands Bicycle Classic Organizing Committee has remained steadfast in our desire to host the Classic in April. Unfortunately, the ever-increasing risks associated with widespread Coronavirus (COVID-19) have led us to a decision that undoubtedly will be disappointing to many, although we are confident it is appropriate under these unique circumstances.
Considering the latest information, projected timelines, expert analysis, and after consultation with the leadership of our host cities of Redlands, Highland and Yucaipa, we have jointly decided that the 2020 Redlands Bicycle Classic should not occur.
Ultimately, the health and well-being of everyone associated with the event, including the citizens of our local communities led us to this difficult decision.
I would be remiss if I did not publicly thank our entire organizing committee and the liaisons with our local government entities for their tireless efforts. In order to continue to provide the world-class bicycle race you have become accustomed to; our plan is to return in April 2021.
As COVID-19 continues to impact the lives of people everywhere, we appreciate you understanding our decision. The lives of those affected by this outbreak are far more important than our event. Therefore, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers and we’ll see you next year in Redlands.
Sincerely,Marc Shaw, Executive Director
Redlands Bicycle Classic
From the organizers about the race: The Redlands Bicycle Classic is an all-volunteer organization, managed by the Redlands Bicycle Classic Organizing Committee, comprised of active community members that seek to see the promotion of cycling and its benefits in Redlands and its surrounding communities. The 36th Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic is scheduled for April 22nd -26th, 2020. The event was founded in 1985 by a community group, chaired by then-Mayor Carole Beswick, to promote awareness of Downtown Redlands. Since that time, professional cyclists from around the world have been racing the event, which is centered in the city of Redlands, California. The event continues today invigorated by the RBC Organizing Committee’s adoption of, and commitment to, the events’ core virtues of Health, Diversity, and the Environment. The Redlands Bicycle Classic is on the USA Cycling Pro Road Tour and is the third round of the 17-race series.
And, about the San Manuel Band of Indians: The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized American Indian tribe located near the city of Highland, Calif. The Serrano Indians are the indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys and mountains who share a common language and culture. The San Manuel reservation was established in 1891 and recognized as a sovereign nation with the right of self-government. As an indigenous community the origins and history of the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians stem from our relationship with the land and to all who share it. Since ancient times we have expressed ourselves through a culture of giving. Today, San Manuel is able to answer the call of Yawa’ (Serrano word meaning “to act on one’s beliefs”) through partnerships with charitable organizations. We have drawn upon our history, knowledge, expertise and cultural values to direct our philanthropic giving in our local region, as well as to Native American causes nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov.
