Redlands Bicycle Classic: Emily Ehrlich and Eric Brunner win opening time trials at Lake Perris and claim first leaders' jerseys

Emily Ehrlich of Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28 and Eric Brunner from Project Echelon Racing claimed victories in the opening individual time trials at the 2026 Redlands Bicycle Classic held around Lake Perris. Ehrlich, wearing the US national champion’s jersey, completed the 11.2-mile course in 24 minutes and 9 seconds, comfortably outpacing her nearest rivals by over half a minute. Brunner set the fastest time in the men’s pro division with a 21:41 finish, narrowly beating Nathanial Martin and Owen Cole, who were separated by just seconds in the tightly contested top positions. Ehrlich’s win marks her third time trial success at Redlands, reaffirming her affinity for the challenging course that she described as relentlessly demanding yet rewarding. Her performance signals a strong return to form following recent successes, including a general classification victory at the Tucson Bicycle Classic. Brunner, meanwhile, reflected on the tough conditions and his strategic approach to the heat and wind, which he felt were more manageable than in previous years. He highlighted the importance of time bonuses in this year’s race format, which lacks the traditional Onyx Summit climb, suggesting a series of intense one-day efforts rather than a conventional stage race. The event’s second stage introduces a new circuit race around a 2.5-mile loop near Lake Perris, replacing the usual road stage due to ongoing repairs. The pro women will tackle 16 laps, covering just over 41 miles, while the men will complete 24 laps for nearly 65 miles. This change in course design could influence race dynamics, favouring riders with strong circuit racing skills and potentially reshaping the overall classification as the week progresses. Both Ehrlich and Brunner’s early dominance sets the tone for the Redlands Bicycle Classic, a key fixture in the North American cycling calendar that attracts a competitive field each year. Their performances will be closely watched as the race unfolds, with fans and teams eager to see if they can maintain their leads through the varied terrain and stages ahead. The event continues to showcase emerging talent and established riders alike, contributing to the growing profile of professional cycling in the region.