Tom Zirbel moves into 2nd at Redlands

The stage 1 Redlands circuit race was an extremely demanding day requiring the riders to be at constant full attention. The added elements of very strong winds, a challenging course, and the composition of the time separation between the GC leaders created a very grueling day. Ben Jacques-Maynes was clocked with a max speed of 87 km/h in a tailwind section but those same winds caused for a block headwind of 15 km/h in other sections of the course. The team rode very well in light of all the obstacles and staff and riders supported one another.

The first break on the 110 mile day came from Ben King (Trek-Livestrong). Ben launched a solo attack on the 2nd lap; however, the drive for the intermediate time bonuses caused the peloton to reel him back into the group. The next break of 5 riders came on the final lap of the day. The group included BISSELL’s Burke Swindlehurst, Cesar Grajales (Rock Racing), Ben King (Trek-Livestrong), David Frattini (Colavita Sutter Home), and Brad White (OUCH). The chasing group was dwindled down to only 30 riders under the pressure of pursuit. The group of 5 was eventually caught on the final descent. Just as they were reabsorbed, Peter Stetina (Garmin-Haloweko Partners-Felt) launched a decisive counter-attack. A pack of 4 including Tom Zirbel (BISSELL), Jeff Louder (BMC), and Will Routley (Jelly Belly) bridged across to Peter and the 4 battled to the finish. Jeff Louder sprinted to victory ahead of his 4 break mates and the combination of intermediate time bonuses and the stage win was enough to put him in the overall lead. Will Routley sprinted for 2nd, Peter Stetina for 3rd, and Tom Zirbel came in for 4th. Tom’s great day placed him in 2nd in the overall GC.

The BISSELL Team hopes for a quieter Downtown Crit on Saturday but will be awaiting the action for sprinters, Kirk O’Bee, Frank Pipp, and Andy Jacques-Maynes.