Today’s opening race of the U.S. Handcycling Series at the Redlands Bicycle Classic in California crushed all but one racer. The weekend in Redlands will ultimately showcase 20-30 handcyclists in a ride on Saturday and a criterium finale on Sunday, but only a handful of athletes were brave enough to tackle today’s 5 kilometer 15%+ hill climb time trial.

David Lee, of nearby Cardiff by the Sea, CA cruised to a convincing win by more than four minutes over 2nd-place Todd Philpott of New York. Lee had studied the course profile closely and came prepared with appropriate gearing. Although Philpott previewed the course on Wednesday, he misjudged the severity of the hill and was severely over-geared. Philpott however, was not alone with his gearing woes. Joining him were Seth Arseneau (Albuquerque, NM) and Keane West (Lake Placid, FL) who had not previously seen the course. “I’m surpised I even made it up that hill without a small chainring.” said Arseneau following the race.
David Lee cruises to a convincing win in Redlands.

Keane West, in his first USHF race, struggled up the climb, also without a small chainring, but finished ahead of Arseneau for 3rd. Huan Nguyen racing for Team PossAbilities — event sponsor and handcycle race organizer - came in behind Arseneau, followed by Ron Crawford of Flagstaff, AZ also in his first race. Rounding out the day were two HCA (Quad) riders, Patrick Cottini (Chico, CA) and Harold Bostick (SoCal), who proved that the course was indeed achieavable by all, no matter how steep.

“We just wanted to create some awareness about the ability of handcyclists and disabled athletes, and I think we did that without a doubt” said Tyler Blackwelder of Team PossAbilities.

Ron Crawford (center) is chased by Huan Nguyen (left) and Seth Arseneau in the opening day time trial in Redlands.

1st. David Lee, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 20:21:23 HCB
2nd. Todd Philpott, New York, NY 24:30:69 | HCC2
3rd. Kean West, Lake Placid, FL 34:20:79 | HCB
4th. Seth Arseneau, Albuquerque, NM 35:18:23 | HCC2
5th. Huan Nguyen, Redlands, CA 36:46:61 | HCC1
6th. Ron Crawford, Flagstaff, AZ 40:32:77 | HCC1
7th. Patrick Cottini, Chico, CA 42:26:84 | HCA
8th. Harold Bostick, SoCal, CA 1:03:21:75 | HCA
Check back with HCNews on Sunday for the news on the big criterum.

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