After 25 years as one of America's premier stage races and many of cycling’s biggest stars blazing its streets on their way to stardom; an idea was born. The "Legends" award, established in 2007, honors a past RBC athlete who has embodied enduring class, sportsmanship, and character throughout their career. Created in the spirit and long traditions that make the community of Redlands historic, the “Legends” award is given to a rider who represents all the best attributes of a professional cyclist, both on and off the bike, and contributes to the sport in a positive way. Just as Redlands rich history is paid tribute to in historic buildings and monuments throughout the city, The Redlands Bicycle Classic has established its own monument that recognizes its history. The RBC “Legends” award symbolizes and honors the many talented participants that have made this event truly ‘Legendary’.

Seven time Tour de France rider, a grand tour stage win, an Olympic medal, one national championship, and many other special performances... results of this caliber come from star athletes with incredible work ethics. Ron Kiefel is one of the original hard working, soft-spoken, tenacious bike racers that paved the way for future American successes in cycling's biggest stage, Europe, and the perfect candidate to receive the 2010 Redlands Bicycle Classic 'Legends Award'.

As with many of the great American cyclists, Ron Kiefel has grassroots memories of his time racing in the Redlands Classic. Kiefel even calls the infamous 'Sunset Loop', the Sunday stage of the Redlands Classic with punishing repeated climbing that breaks even the strongest legs, one of his favorite races.

"The Redlands Classic was an important stepping stone for the 7-Eleven team's success in Europe at races like the Giro D'Italia and Tour de France. "I am looking forward to coming to Redlands to celebrate our sport - and I am happy to be selected as a 'Legend' of the Redlands Classic", says Kiefel. 

Christine Thorburn

 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’.

2008 Legend Award Winner

Scott Moninger

Scott Moningers' tenure as a pro lasted an amazing 17 years, a feat in itself that demands respect from the entire cycling community. His personal dynasty at Redlands started even before being considered a professional, on his way to earning that coveted designation he won the 1989 edition of the race. Scott went on to win again in 1995 as well as make four podium appearances before showing up for his final "hoorah" in 2007.

In the 2007 edition of the race Moninger added another stage win two days in the leaders' jersey to his Redlands Bicycle Classic Legendry. Moninger took the Stage 1 victory on the steeps of the Oak Glen climb as well as the race lead. Only after a hard fought day on the roads of the Sunset Road Race could anyone unseat Moninger from the race leaders' position."

"Scott is a true legend of the sport of cycling with a distinguished career. As a past host family for Scott and his team, I have had a chance to get to know Scott. He is a very focused and professional cyclist and a good role model for the sport. We are honored to have him as our legend this year". Says RBC Race Director Dan Rendler.

Moningers' participation in the Redlands Bicycle Classic continues this year not as a rider, but as a team director for the highly successful Toyota-United Pro Cycling team. Moninger will be on hand to direct his team in hopes of creating its own legend and will be presented the "Legends Award" during a special ceremony at the race. The Redlands Bicycle Classic Organizing Committee is honored to see Scott Moninger receive the 2008 "Legends Award," and remember his many years of participation, aggressive riding, and podium appearances that have given him legendary status in the archives of The Redlands Bicycle Classic.

Previously Honored Legends

2007 Thurlow Rogers