Bicycle Classic Ends With Bang, Rain

As promised, the rain came to the Redlands Bicycle Classic.

So did the challengers.

Patrick Bevin's late charge gave him his third-straight stage win Sunday, and almost was enough to beat leader Phil Gaimon at the end. But Gaimon, who rides for Kenda/5-Hour Energy, rode across the line in time to preserve a two second margin of victory for the overall title.

But Bevin wasn't the only challenger, as last year's winner Francisco Mancebo broke away from the pack coming into the final five laps around downtown. But Gaimon reeled him in before he could widen the gap. Mancebo finished third overall.

The mens riders had to deal with gusty winds and rain as they raced around the Sunset Road course. More than half the riders dropped out or removed as they climbed steep inclines in the rain, that was driving at times.

The women had no such problems, as their entire run was completed before the weather turned.

Megan Guarnier, the leader since the prologue, held on to her lead, staying close to the lead pack for most of the race. But she did get a challenge from stage winner Megan Powers, who was able to shave 11 seconds off her defecit thanks to time bonuses. She finished second overall, three seconds behind Guarnier.

Joelle Numainville, Saturday's winner, finished second Sunday, and third overall. She also was awarded the green jersey as the best sprinter in the field.

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