The iSpeed-FELT Cycling Team had a fantastic showing at the Redlands Bicycle Classic! The team’s seven rider roster surpassed all expectations with multiple break-through results that we are excited to highlight. 

Being the team’s first year taking part in the staple in American Cycling, our expectations were moderate. For the majority of the roster, this would be their first Redlands. And for the 37th edition of the event, there were two new arduous stages for the athletes to race. 

Captaining the team, Brian McCulloch towed the line for the 9th time, bringing expertise, savvy, and know-how to the team. At the helm with General Classification hopes was Dillon Geary. With his 2nd year racing the event, he was confident that he could better his 2023 results. Being the current U23 South African Time Trial Champion and having just completed the 8 stage Tour of Rwanda, he was ready for the challenge. 

The short and punchy course of the Stage 1 Highland Circuit provided the team with a great chance to work together in the 200+ rider peloton. As the laps whittled down on the technical circuit, the team positioned Dillon well, where he finished 9th on the stage. 

Stage 2 took the riders up to Onyx Summit, over 8,400ft above sea level on a route that had never been raced before. Only 50 miles long, the race would traverse up over 8,000ft of climbing with temperatures well over 75F. As the group whittled down, Dillon was flanked by teammates Jonas Woodruff and Thomas Fuller – two local athletes with insider knowledge on the course and its climbs and descents. 

Finishing just behind the leaders, Dillon maintained his top 20 on General Classification and with strong finishes from Jonas and Thomas, the team moved into 11th on Team Classification out of 27 teams. Again, moving the team beyond early expectations. 

Stage 3, the Lake Perris Time Trial, was also a new route for the event. Our team riders were excited to test their DNA Cycling SpeedSuits and race against the clock. The course was technical with multiple surfaces, turns, short climbs and descents. At the end of the 11.6 mile course, Dillon had clocked the 10th fastest time of the day, moving him into 8th GC. 

The Stage 4 Saturday Criterium is one of the most technical courses in the country. With sidelines packed with fans and spectators, the 90 minute 9 turn course is always filled with excitement. The target on the day was to keep Dillon safe throughout the stage, not lose any time to the GC contenders, and hold Adin Papell in a good spot in case a sprint could happen. With a crash leading into 9 laps to go, the race was neutralized which reshuffled the deck and added to the stress in the bunch. iSpeed racing riders kept it cool, rode as close together as possible, and finished the stage safely without any time lost. 

The Queen Stage, Stage 5 Sunset Road Race, not only offered the riders the historic climb through Redlands, but a solid dose of spring rain. As the peloton, now down to 150 riders, completed their second lap of the downtown criterium before heading to the hills, the rain began. The peloton reacted with a frenzy to the first KOM line on lap one, reducing the bunch quickly. Dillon was joined by Jonas and Yogi Romero who could help in the group with getting bottles, moving him through the bunch, and supporting when the moves started to get traction. 

The real excitement of the day began when Dillon, along with 30 of the remaining racers, entered the last 5 miles of the 91 mile event. They would race 5 laps on the criterium course, and Dillon was at the helm. He rode valiantly, giving every ounce to possibly slip the group and finish in a podium spot. 

In the end, he sprinted to a 5th place finish. For our team and program – this is by far the highlight of the season and a result that we are very proud of. This breakthrough result maintained Dillon’s 8th place overall, as the team moved into 10th on Team Classification. 

We are very thankful for the support of our partners, and from everyone behind the scenes – family, friends, and supporters – who help bolster the spirits of the team throughout the week. 

The team’s success at the Redlands Bicycle Classic is a ‘team success’ and we could not have done it without each of you!