Red Truck Racing has had a jam packed start to the season in California. Kicking things off with a team camp in Westlake Village, the group got some hilly miles in the Santa Monica Mountains before making their way south to Redlands. The training seemed to pay off as the girls team had a strong showing at the long-standing race, Redlands Bicycle Classic.
Long-time team director, Steve Engh, was recognized for his achievements when he was awarded the Carole King Sportsmanship Award during the final stage:
“The committee presents this award on the final day of the race to the person who best exemplifies the principle of sportsmanship in cycling and athletic competition.”
Red Truck Racing was well-decorated this week, with awards going to management, and both the men’s and women’s teams grabbing leaders jerseys. One women’s rider even secured the yellow jersey after stage 2.
Stage 1: the Highlands Circuit Race
At the start line of Day 1 everyone could feel the tension as the peloton waited to kick off the first major North American Pro race of the season, the Highlands Circuit Race. This course is also known to be one of the most challenging in the continent with a punchy climb followed by a technical descent, it's almost impossible to recover.
Nevertheless, Red Truck women had an impressive showing with new team member Mara Roldan securing 7th place followed closely by Nadia Gontova in 15th, both were able to stay with the main pack for the entire 66 kilometers. The rest of the girls came through well within time cut and all of the whole squad proceeded to stage 2.
Stage 2: The City of Yucaipa Road Race
Stage 2 was a dreary and cold morning, and would continue that way all day. The stage is called the Yucaipa Road Race, which includes four laps of a hilly circuit, followed by a 10km finishing climb up Oak Glen. Going into the stage the girls agreed to put their effort to work for Mara and Nadia who were both well-suited to the course.
At the end of the fourth lap, the girls were in a strong position within the main pack and that is where Nadia decided to launch her attack. Going away in a solo breakaway, she dropped the peloton, and emerging through a foggy haze claimed her win and took yellow, leading the race into stage 3. All of the girls were overjoyed and filled with pride, and a new sense of confidence surged through the team.
Stage 3: Route 66 Time Trial
The following day was the race of truth, the individual time trial. One by one each girl completed the time trial beginning with Emma Dressler, then guest rider Sydney Berry, followed by team captain Brenna Pauly, then Astrid Wuerr and Katelyn Walcroft, and finally Nadia Gontova.
After the results came through, Nadia fell to fourth in General Classification, but still well within contention to reclaim it in a following stage. Nadia was Red Truck's fastest finisher on the day coming in 1 minute and 51 seconds behind first place on the 14.5 kilometer course.
Stage 4: Redlands Criterium
Nerves were high at the Redlands Criterium, as the race drew huge crowds from the community and sometimes the outcome of these races are beyond your control. Yet the girls persevered with Katelyn, Mara, and Nadia all finishing in the main pack, finishing 14th and 24th, respectively. Astrid, Nadia, and Brenna followed closely behind.
Stage 5: Sunset Road Race
Redlands Bicycle Classic finished with the Sunset Road Race, a challenging circuit race through the hills of Redlands, and finished with three laps of the Redlands Criterium course. With Nadia still in contention for the General Classification, the girls were all committed to trying to get her to reclaim her top spot. Unfortunately, in one of the final laps of Sunset, Nadia suffered some unexpected challenges, and was unable to regain contact with the other GC contenders.
Overall, Redlands Bicycle Classic was a huge success for the women’s squad. Claiming yellow, winning a stage, and multiple top 15 and 20 finishes gave the girls confidence that they belonged in this race. Outside of the race they enjoyed visiting schools and talking about cycling with young elementary school students. The girls are already excited to return next year to this special race that is so well supported by the community.