Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns after 10-year hiatus
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Philly will once again host a big cycling race. Photo: Jonathan Devich/Getty
Top cyclists from around the globe will race in Philadelphia this weekend.
Why it matters: The Cycling Classic is the biggest one-day professional bike race in the U.S., and it's expected to draw 100,000 fans to the city.
The big picture: The classic catapults Philly back onto the map for the sport.
- That's because the Union Cycliste Internationale, the international governing body for cycling, has sanctioned the race, as well as USA Cycling.
- The teams competing are a mix of different professional levels, including those in the highest tiers.
Driving the news: On Sunday, a pair of separate races (male and female) will showcase elite riders speeding around a 14.4-mile course on city streets running from roughly the Philadelphia Museum of Art up to Roxborough.
- Teams will compete for $75,000 purses for each race.
Plus: A free Fan Fest is set for Saturday (10am–5pm) and Sunday (8am–5pm) at the Iroquois Sculpture near Eakins Oval.
- On tap are mini-bike courses, cycling-related activities, eats, drinks, merch and live music.
Flashback: The race has deep roots in Philly.
- The Classic was held here annually starting in 1985 until its last run in 2016, when the race was mothballed due to lack of sponsorship.
Between the lines: Philly native Carlos Rogers, a hairstylist and co-owner of Hush Salon in Old City, was the driving force behind reviving the race, along with his partners Eric Robbins and former Mayor Michael Nutter.
- AmeriGas is this year's sponsor.
What they're saying: Philly is already a cycling city, but the Classic will likely boost interest in the sport even further, Rogers tells Axios.
- "If there's one kid that sees these riders go by … then maybe it will inspire them to get a bike and get into bike racing," said Rogers, a former amateur cyclist who competed in the Philly 1994 Cycling Classic.
The intrigue: Whether the race will happen next year is TBD, Rogers says.
- Yes, but: We'll find out in September when UCI reveals its 2027 race calendar.
The course:
- 🏁 Start and finish lines: On Benjamin Franklin Parkway near 22nd Street.
- ⭕ Full circuit: After the Parkway, riders will head up Kelly Drive and Ridge Avenue, then turn onto Manayunk's Main Street before climbing "The Wall," then head onto Pechin Street and Manayunk Avenue in Roxborough, after which they'll go back along Kelly Drive and Reservoir Drive.
- ⚬ Smaller circuit: Along Kelly Drive and around Lemon Hill.
📍 Iconic spots:
- The Manayunk Wall: This intense climb on Levering Street and Lyceum Avenue has the potential for race-defining moments where riders can break away from the pack.
- "Fall from the Wall": At the summit of the Wall, riders descend down Pechin Street and Manayunk Avenue, where they will likely reach their fastest speeds (~50 mph).
How it works:
- 🚴♀️ The women's race: 8:30am Sunday start time
- Four full laps, then two smaller circuits running from the Parkway to Lemon Hill — totaling 62 miles.
- 🚴♂️ The men's race: Noon on Sunday
- Eight full laps, then two smaller circuits (120 miles).
By the numbers:
- Women's teams: 21, of which 3 are WorldTour (the top professional tier)
- Men's teams: 15, including 5 WorldTour
- Riders: ~212
- Team countries: 10, including USA, Germany, Italy and Mexico.
🗣️ Cycling lingo to know: Peloton: The main group or pack of riders riding together.
How to watch:
- 👀 IRL: Set up anywhere along the circuit. Plus, the Schuylkill River Trail along Kelly Drive will remain open.
- 📺 TV: 6ABC
- 💻 Streaming: YouTube, Hulu, Disney+