February 13, 2004 – Promoted by the Redlands Bicycle Classic Committee, both the USCF National Championships and the USA Cycling Team Selection Race will use the scenic and challenging terrain and familiar roads that have been a trademark of the longtime Redlands Bicycle Classic. The winners of the Elite Women's Time Trial and the Elite Women's Road Race will be nominated to the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team. Likewise, the winner of the USA Cycling Selection Race will receive a nominationto the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team.
The USA Cycling Selection Race will be limited to a maximum field of 200 men that will be invited according to the 2004 Olympic Games Selection Procedure Guidelines. The top 150 ranked U.S. athletes in the USCF National Racing Calendar standings as of June 1, 2004, the top 50 ranked U.S. athletes in the UCI road rankings on June 1, 2004, and the top five U.S. finishers in the Armed Forces International Military Cycling Championships will receive invitations to the USA Cycling Selection Race.
Redlands Bicycle Classic Committee Executive Director of Marketing and Promotions, Craig Kundig, is thrilled at seeing this level of competition in Redlands with a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team up for grabs along with National Championships. “We're excited to have been chosen to host and manage this event,” explained Kundig, “and we look forward to seeing the best riders in the U.S. race on difficult courses for spectacular rewards.”
“The tradition and history that Redlands has of hosting top-notch events along with the selective and challenging courses that have been laid out by the Redlands Classic Tech Team will result in three worthy nominations to represent the U.S. and the sport of cycling in Athens,” added USA Cycling CEO Gerard Bisceglia.
2004 USA Cycling Elite Road National Championships and USA Cycling Team Selection Race Schedule
Wednesday, June 16, 2004: USCF Elite Men's Road Race National Championship
Thursday, June 17, 2004: USCF Men's and Women's Time Trial National Championship
Saturday, June 19, 2004: USCF Elite Women's Road Race National Championship
Saturday, June 19, 2004: USA Cycling Selection Race