Monarch Racing April Update
Redlands Bicycle Classic
The longest continuously running professional stage race in the country, Redlands Bicycle Classic is infamous for technical courses, world-class competition, and five days of brutal racing. Teams take on a variety of challenging courses including a twisty time trial, a hilly circuit race with a gravel section, a technical nine-corner criterium, and the infamous Sunset Circuit race on the final day. Arguably the hardest stage race in the country, you'll see the best teams and best riders in attendance every year.
Our roster was composed of a few riders attending their first Redlands and others with multiple years of experience under their belt. We hosted one guest rider, as it aligns with our continued commitment to offering opportunity and support to as many women as possible.
Across the first four stages, we had four different riders pulling out the best individual results for the team, which goes to show the depth and strong foundation that Monarch Racing is building. On the final stage, in crazy weather on slick descents, Helena Merk and Annie Gilbert had the ride of their lives to finish 7th and 13th in the first group. Helena Merk is a SF-native, who joined Monarch for her first pro season last year. Her growth and success is a testament to how our program works and has the ability to grow talent and development from the amateur level.
On and off the race course, our team continues to be stewards for the sport. We attended a school visit to a local elementary school before the racing began, where we received exemplary reviews from the school administration for our team's engaging and inspiring school presentation. Throughout the week, riders supported each other, were kind and grateful to those around them, and continue to be excellent ambassadors of the Monarch Racing brand and our sponsors.
Berkeley Hills Road Race & Berkeley Streets Criterium
While the Pro team took a deserved weekend off, the Juniors stepped up in a massive way. Half the team raced at Sea Otter, and half the team raced at the Berkeley Omnium (made up of the Berkeley Hills Road Race, and Berkeley Streets Criterium).
In Saturday's road race, women could choose between the Long Course and Short Course options. Our Juniors raced the Short Course against women of all ages and experiences - including Cat 1/2 racers! Olive Markman, our 15-16 junior, won the entire race against everyone else, and would go on to win the Omnium 15-16 after a successful Criterium race the following day.
Not to be outdone, Jayce Cooper was at Sea Otter and won the 90 mile gravel race on Saturday, then came back and placed 2nd in the combined women's field in the Criterium on Sunday. She followed that with a 1st place in the Junior's race later in the day.
One of our quietest, but most consistent riders, Kiera Murray was in the top group on both days and with that consistency won the Omnium 17-18 age group.
Berkeley Bicycle Club, the club that puts on the Berkeley race weekend, is also a financial sponsor of Monarch Racing — specifically the Junior team. Their support is integral to our Juniors’ successes, and we are grateful for them and look forward to racing at their event again next year!
Financial Summary 2026 Season
Equipment: $28,184
Marketing / Admin / Other: $5,599
Travel Races: $26,401
Other Events: $1,111
Training Plan: $3,000
TOTAL: $64,295
Make a tax-deductible donation to our GoFundMe!
