Acclaimed cycle sport artist Tracy Holmes will return to the Redlands Bicycle Classic this year to create new art and display art from races past.

A third generation artist, Holmes is a Director for and Founder of Holmes Galleries, a non-profit organization promoting and benefiting artists, art organizations and art for children in public schools.

Holmes is the recipient of "The Gold Crown Award" for "Business in the Arts" for "Outstanding Contribution and Service to the Community in the Arts."

Her background includes commercial and fine art studies in Zurich, Switzerland, with travels throughout Germany, Holland, Austria and France, which she said afforded her the direct experience to paint from life and the front lines of the "Tour de France." A licensed NASCAR Artist since 1995, Holmes work can be seen in the DU PONT Headquarters Trophy Room, Jeff Gordon Collection, Hendrix Motorsports, and the Southern Automobile Club Corporate headquarters lobby.

Holmes' painting "Old City Hall" was commissioned as the original art for the official "Redlands Bicycle Classic Commemorative Poster" this year. The poster depicts a group of cyclists passing the police annex on Cajon Street. Having attended many cycling races around the world, Holmes said she really enjoys coming to Redlands.

"It's just a wonderful sport and Redlands is a great community," she said. "They have a lot of warmth."

Holmes also sees the appreciation cyclists have for the Redlands community.

"Everyone comes to Redlands," she said. "Not every race is like that."

Redlands Bicycle Classic Marketing Director Scott Welsh said Holmes is a wonderful addition to the event.

"She is a fantastic artist and a great visionary," he said. "She's the kind of person we want to be involved and I hope her art is really a reflection of how special the event is. We want to be a world class event and she is world class talent." Holmes' booth will be part of what Welsh calls the Bicycle Classic "Festival," in which booths of various businesses will be scattered across the parking lot on the southwest corner of Citrus Avenue and Sixth Street.

"There will be everything from health and cycling clothing to crafts and jewelry," Welsh said.

Welsh sees the Festival as a representation of the real positive side of living in Redlands.

"A representation of how special it is to be a part of this place, this beautiful community," he said.

Welsh said he would also like to note that everything involving the Bicycle Classic event is wheelchair accessible.

"The Festival would not like to exclude anyone."

Across the street from the Festival at the Wells Fargo parking lot, cycling teams will be setting up and preparing to race. According to Festival Director Phillip Man, there are 25 mens teams and 18 womens teams this year. "So it will be a hub of activity," he said.

To view Holmes' art or purchase the "Redlands Bicycle Classic Commemorative Poster," visit her Web site at www.art4racing.com.

Holmes work will also be available at her booth at the Festival, March 22 through 25.