1 Philly cyclist to root for in the Cycling Classic

Flashback: Carpenter, who now lives outside Boston, has experience with the Philly course besides growing up in the city.

• He raced in the previous incarnation of the Classic from 2013-16.

State of play: Carpenter said that while he's nearing the end of his career and not a favorite, several of his teammates are capable of winning and his goal is to help them to victory.

• He expects to retire in late 2027.

What he's saying: "It's a hometown race for me," he said. "A lot of riders never get that."

We asked Carpenter questions about cycling in the Philly region.

❤️ Favorite bike routes or trails in the region?

Answer: Schuylkill River Trail going toward Valley Forge.

• This is a staple for any cyclist in the region. It's easy, accessible and safe, offering a long stretch of pavement that's relatively flat.

Also: The backroads of Main Line neighborhoods, particularly Bryn Mawr and Gladwyne.

• There are so many different roads to take that offer challenging hills, low traffic and great scenery that you'll never do the same route twice.

✅ 1 must have for a long ride (besides water)?

• Tools and supplies to fix a flat tire.
• Changing a tire is something every cyclist should know how to do. It's not fun getting stranded.

🗣️ Advice for someone looking to get into cycling?

• It'll take you places that you'll never be able to get to or think about going to in a car. You can see so much more of where you live than you do from inside a vehicle.
• It's all about the journey rather than the destination.