"A ten-year break comes to an end as the largest bicycle competition in the U.S. prepares for an exhilarating comeback"

Bike race event known as the Philadelphia Cycling Classic kicks off on 30th August, 2026

, and ASMedia

2025 September 19 . 9:32 AM

2 min read

"The largest bike race in the U.S. is set to make a comeback following a decade-long break,... — "The largest bike race in the U.S. is set to make a comeback following a decade-long break, promising an exciting spectacle."

"A ten-year break comes to an end as the largest bicycle competition in the U.S. prepares for an exhilarating comeback"

The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is set to make a triumphant return next summer, with AmeriGas, a subsidiary of UGI, as the current sponsor. This marks the continuation of the popular event that has become one of the most prominent cycling races outside of Europe in its 32-year lifespan.

The race, spanning an area of 14-plus miles from Centre City to Fairmount Park to Manayunk, will once again challenge the endurance and skill of professional cyclists from around the globe. The Philadelphia Cycling Classic has a rich history, attracting legendary cyclists such as Lance Armstrong, Greg LeMond, and Eric Heiden in its prime.

The Manayunk Wall, a notorious feature of the race, will undoubtedly test the mettle of the participants. This steep incline, rising out of the flat city at a gradient of 17%, has been the scene of many thrilling moments in the race's history.

In the first edition of the race, Eric Heiden, five years after winning five gold medals in speed-skating at the 1980 Winter Olympics, claimed victory. More recently, in 2016, Marco Canola took the top spot, a year before he would go on to win a stage at the Giro d'Italia.

Elisa Longo Borghini, another notable cyclist, set a new QOM record for her ascent of the Manayunk Wall in the same year. Since then, she has added numerous titles to her name, including wins at Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d'Italia.

The revival of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic is a collaborative effort led by local businessmen Carlos Rogers, Eric Robbins, and former mayor Michael Nutter. Eric Robbins, a co-organiser, described the event as a celebration and a time to escape the world's craziness.

The cost of the race covers city services, prize money, and accommodation for visiting cyclists, with an estimated cost of around $2 million. The Philadelphia Cycling Classic will be the crowning event of the summer in Philadelphia, coinciding with several other sporting events, including the FIFA Men's World Cup and a Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is a singular Philadelphia-based event, according to Michael Nutter, and its return is sure to bring excitement and energy to the city next summer.