Canuel and Routley on the podium at Redlands opener

Kirsten Frattini April 3, 2014

Canadian Cycling Magazine Karol Ann Canuel — Photo © Emily Maye and Specialized-lululemon

Canadians Karol Ann Canuel (Specialized-lululemon) and Will Routley (Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies) stood on the podium during the opening stage of the Redlands Bicycle Classic on Wednesday.

Canuel took second place in the Stage 1 circuit race ahead of her fellow countryman and national criterium champion Leah Kirchmann (Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies) in third. Lauren Stephens (Team Tibco) won the bunch sprint to the line and is now wearing the overall leader’s jersey.

Routley placed third in the bunch sprint during the elite men’s race, behind stage winner and overall race leader Dion Smith (Hincapie Sportswear Development) and James Oram (Bissell Development) in second.

Redlands Bicycle Classic is the first race on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar (NRC) and is held from April 2 to 6 in California.