MANAYUNK

The Parx Casino Philly Cycling Classic received an upgraded classification by the International Cycling Union (UCI) for 2014. Scheduled for June 1, both the men’s and women’s races of the second-year event are classified a UCI 1.1. The women’s race is also on the USA Cycling NRC calendar.

“When we came forward with a new event to continue pro cycling in Philadelphia we also committed to renew the city’s great tradition of world-class racing,” said Richard Adler of Liberty Sports Development, the event producer. “The feedback following our inaugural event has been overwhelmingly positive, especially with regard to the course changes, which offered a whole new challenge to the teams who have raced here before.  So we are very pleased that the Parx Casino Philly Cycling Classic received this upgrade to a 1.1 by the UCI for 2014, making Philadelphia the highest rated one day race in the USA. This new designation allows us to invite UCI Pro Tour Teams and make other improvements to expand and enhance the status and prestige of this race for teams and sponsors.”

"Philadelphia has embraced pro cycling with a passion for many long years, including the entire time that I was representing Manayunk and its iconic "Wall" as Councilman in that District,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter, City of Philadelphia. “It was with strong purpose in early 2013 that I directed my leadership team to find a way to keep a pro race going here. We accomplished that with the help of the Philly Cycling Classic organizers. Now, with this elevated UCI classification, we look to restore Philadelphia's stature as the greatest one-day pro race in the United States, with even more teams and more professionals--both male and female, domestic and international-- next June."

The second year race will once again focus equally on the men’s and women’s teams with separate races and starting times, and equal prize money. The course was popular with teams and fans with its exciting uphill finish at the top of the famed Manayunk Wall.

 “The Philly Cycling Classic’s upgrade to a 1.1 is great news for the sport domestically,” said Sean Petty, Chief of Domestic & International Affairs, USA Cycling, and member of the UCI Road Commission. “Philadelphia is an iconic stop on the calendar each year. The upgraded classification is a testament to the tremendous work of the organizers as they continue to build on the success of their inaugural event in 2013.”

The Parx Casino Philly Cycling Classic is operated by a community-based non-profit organization formed to organize and host the new world-class professional cycling race in Philadelphia. Joining title sponsor Parx Casino is event Founding Sponsor New Penn Financial, and official sponsors  Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, Sunoco, Philadelphia Energy Solutions, and Fuji Bikes, all  local companies that are proud to support the new tradition of world class cycling in Philadelphia.

For more information, visit www.phillycyclingclassic.org