March 24, 2010 (Redlands, CA) – The 2010 Redlands Bicycle Classic begins Thursday, March 25 and many Canadian riders have headed south to race against some of the world’s best. The women’s field is a strong one, with Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (HTC-Columbia), fresh off a dramatic GC win in San Dimas earned with time gained by riding off the front in the criterium, is returning to defend her 2009 Redlands win.

The field includes numerous Canadian cycling talents, including 2009 National Road Race Champion Alison Testroete (Team Vera Bradley Foundation), and 2008 Olympians Alex Wrubleski (Redlands overall winner, 2008), Erinne Willock, and Gina Grain as well as Canadian National U23 road race champion, Joelle Numainville, all riding for Webcor Builders. CCA trade-team Team Nano Blur Gears, lead by decorated veteran Anne Samplonius, and Team Specialized Mazda Samson add further depth to the Canadian presence.

On the men’s start list are Charles Dionne (Fly V Australia) whose team leader, Australian Ben Day, bagged the win at San Dimas. Look for top Canadian sprinter Andrew Pinfold (United Healthcare/Maxxis) and Will Routley (Team Jelly Belly p/b Kenda), alumni of past Canadian pro cycling team Symmetrics. New this year to the US Pro Continental ranks is Rob Britton (BISSEL Pro Cycling). Canada’s top cycling team Team SpiderTech powered by Planet Energy directed by Steve Bauer adds lustre and horsepower to the Canadian presence at Redlands.

Redlands is a 4-day, 4-stage race, beginning with The Sun Time Trial, a 3.1 mile (5km) uphill prologue on March 25. Stages 1, 2 and 3 respectively are the 68-mile (109.4 Km) City of Beaumont Circuit Road Race, the 60-minute City of Redlands Criterium, and the 68.1-mile (109.6 Km) Beaver Medical Group Sunset Road Race on Sunday March 28. Redlands is also the first stop on the women’s Prestige Cycling Series for 2010.