25th Redlands Bicycle Classic - Christine Thorburn Honored
Dr. Christine Thorburn to be Honored with the Redlands 'Legends Award' at 2009 Race.

2009 Redlands Bicycle Classic Names Christine Thorburn as the
 2009 ‘Legends Award’ Recipient

Within the community of professional cyclists live a few legends; Christine Thorburn is one of those legends. Thorburn’s dedication and self motivation represent the true essence of professional cycling; along with personal sacrifice and unrelenting determination Thorburn did everything right to leave an enduring impression on the sport. For her efforts she will be recognized by The Redlands Bicycle Classic Organizing Committee and honored as the recipient of the 2009 ‘Legends Award’.

As one of a few American cyclists to experience success on the world stage, Thorburn has “palmares” that include a silver medal at the ’05 Pan Am Games; two top five finishes at the UCI World Championships, including a bronze medal; not to mention taking home five medals over the years in U.S. National Championship competition. Most notably Thorburn’s ticket to the world stage came via Redlands with a win at the '04 National Timetrial Championship (held in Redlands), which solidified her spot on the '04 Olympic team. She continued her local dominance by winning the '05 edition of the Redlands Bicycle Classic.

Along with her legendary race results, Thorburn has managed to accomplish many things off her bicycle too, including graduating from Stanford with a medical degree. It was this balance and display of commitment that caught the attention of the Redlands Bicycle Classic Organizing Committee and ultimately awarded her the 2009 Redlands Bicycle Classic ‘Legends Award’.

After being chosen as the 2009 ‘Legends Award’ recipient Thorburn was touched by the honor, “I am incredibly honored to be awarded the 2009 Redlands Bicycle Classic ‘Legends Award’,” said Thorburn. There are so many amazing athletes and individuals who have raced the RBC over the 25 years of its existence that I do not feel particularly special among them. The list of winners reads as a ‘who's who’ in North American road cycling.”

Race Director Dan Rendler shared his own excitement with the RBC Organizing Committees’ choice for the 2009 ‘Legends Award’ and said, “Christine is an excellent ambassador for the sport of professional cycling. I have had the pleasure of getting to know her over the past several years and found her to be an athlete and person of high integrity with exceptional character on and off her bicycle; she is well deserving of this award, my family and I wish her the best as she transitions into the next phase of her life.”

2006 Worlds Time Tial Podium: Karen Thuerig, Kristin Armstrong, and Christine Thorburn Photo © 2009 Bart Hazen

Thorburn continued her sentiments for the Redlands area by saying “Redlands has been a special place for me since my first visit in 2004. The volunteers and host families make the RBC so much more than a bike race – it feels like my home away from home. Thank you for this amazing honor as I transition from my cycling career to the next phase of my life.”

Come see all the speed, talent and skill, and be part of the ceremony that honors a legendary American athlete on March 28th, 2009 in downtown Redlands.

For more information, including race times, distances and volunteer opportunities, visit www.redlandsclassic.com.

About the Redlands Bicycle Classic - The Redlands Bicycle Classic is an all-volunteer organization, including the race directors. The 24th Redlands Bicycle Classic is scheduled for March 26th – 29th, 2009. The event was founded in 1985 by a community group, chaired by then-Mayor Carole Beswick, to promote awareness of downtown Redlands. Since that time, professional cyclists from around the world have been racing in this event, which is centered around the city of Redlands, California. The Redlands Bicycle Classic is on the USA Cyling (USAC) National Racing Calendar (NRC).

About PossAbilities - PossAbilities is a community outreach program of Loma Linda University Rehabilitation, Orthopaedic, and Neurosciences Institute. Membership to PossAbilities is free and there are no age restrictions. For more information: www.mypossabilities.com

About CH&E Investments - CH&E Investments is a Redlands based real estate investment firm dedicated to supporting the community through a partnership with PossAbilities.

• Discuss this &  the sport with cycling fans from around the world on the Daily Peloton.com Forums and Chat Room.
• Sponsor the daily peloton - advertise your product - contact us.
• Do you have a passion for cycling and writing about the sport? contact us.