32 teams, 7 WorldTour-level, confirmed for Philadelphia Cycling Classic return

The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is set to make a highly anticipated return this summer after a decade-long absence, reigniting its status as a premier event on the North American cycling calendar. The race will feature both men’s and women’s UCI 1.1 category competitions, with 32 teams confirmed to participate, including seven UCI WorldTour squads. This resurgence brings top international talent back to Philadelphia, with the challenging Manayunk Wall once again serving as a signature feature of the course. The women’s race boasts a strong line-up led by team CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto, which includes prominent riders such as Chloe Dygert and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, alongside the American WorldTour team Human Powered Health. The field is further enriched by 16 UCI Continental and Elite teams from across the US, Canada, Mexico, Italy, and China, ensuring a diverse and competitive peloton. On the men’s side, five WorldTour teams, including EF Education EasyPost and Lidl-Trek, will face off against UCI ProTeams and Continental squads, with notable American teams like Modern Adventure Racing and Project Echelon Racing aiming to showcase domestic talent. Robin Morton, race director and CEO of g4 Productions, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s return, highlighting its historical significance and promising future. Since its inception in 1985 as the Philadelphia International Championship, the race has attracted legendary cyclists such as Greg LeMond and Peter Sagan. The women’s race, introduced in 1994, was a trailblazer in promoting gender parity in prize money and visibility, a tradition that continues with equal prize funds of $75,000 for both men and women in 2026. Scheduled for 30 August 2026, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic will serve as a key fixture ahead of other major North American races, including the Maryland Cycling Classic and the UCI World Championships in Montreal. Its status as one of only two UCI-sanctioned 1.1 one-day road races in the US that year offers a valuable opportunity for domestic riders to earn crucial UCI points while competing against world-class opposition. The race will cover a demanding 14.4-mile circuit featuring iconic climbs such as Lemon Hill and the steep Manayunk Wall, with the women’s race covering approximately 62 miles and the men’s around 120 miles. The event will be broadcast live on Channel 6 ABC, providing fans with comprehensive coverage of the action. The return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic not only revives a storied race but also reinforces Philadelphia’s place on the global cycling map, promising thrilling competition and renewed enthusiasm for the sport in the region.