Philadelphia Cycling Classic: Four Reasons Not to Miss the Return of Philly’s Iconic Bike Race

The Route

Modeled after the Tour de France, the race starts and ends on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, traveling northwest on Kelly Drive to Main Street in Manayunk, where riders must then climb the infamous Manayunk Wall (aka Levering Street), a hill with a 17% grade. Ouch.

Then, the cyclists circle back around through Roxborough for the return trip down Kelly Drive, with two extra side jaunts — up and around Reservoir Drive, back down to Kelly Drive and then up to Lemon Hill before returning to the Parkway.  

And then they do it all over again and again and again — making numerous laps before crossing the finish line. 

The women’s race — 62 miles and four laps — kicks off at 8:30 a.m. The men’s race starts at noon, with an expected finish time around 5 p.m. after the gents have pedaled 120 miles, approximately eight laps.

  — Photo courtesy Philadelphia Cycling Classic

Four Reasons Not to Miss the Philadelphia Cycling Classic’s Return

As the “Frenchest American city,” we can confidently say: Allons-y! Let’s go!

Here are four reasons why you should not miss the return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic.

1. Philly loves a street party

While there are popular viewing spots all along the route — like Lemon Hill, Main Street, Levering Street, and the start and finish lines — in the past, impromptu parties would typically line the route. 

Houses and businesses throughout Manayunk would often host private and public parties, with friends gathering to sip summer drinks and pause every so often to cheer on the cyclists as they pass by on a lap. Pro tip: Tune in to 6ABC’s race coverage to know when the pack is headed your way.

Thousands of people are expected to line the streets, enjoying the jubilant summer vibe while supporting the international, elite athletes competing for $75,000 in each race. 

  — Photo courtesy Philadelphia Cycling Classic

2. Another free Fan Fest

As we have already demonstrated to the world this summer, Philly knows how to Fan Fest. 

Fan Fest for the Philadelphia Cycling Classic sets up by the Iroquois statue on the Parkway near Eakins Oval, featuring 150 vendors, family-friendly activities and a beer garden to quench your summer thirst. 

Pre-game at Fan Fest on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (race day!) hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The best part? It’s free. And the first 2,000 people there get a sweet musette bag. Oui! 

3. Watch elite athletes from around the globe

How cool is it that 250 elite athletes from 50 countries around the globe come here to Philly for this race? Pretty darn cool. 

We need to give them a warm (and loud!) Philly welcome, especially along the infamous Wall. (Side note: Pedaling up Levering’s steep incline would be like racing up 50 flights of stairs at breakneck speed, repeatedly.) 

The fastest riders to scale the Wall win the well-earned titles of King and Queen of the Mountain. 

4. Ride like a pro

If you love to ride or just want to see how you might compare to the pros, consider signing up for the Amateur Time Trial on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Sanctioned by USA Cycling, the 8-mile trial is open to adults and youth across six categories. 

If you’re more interested in supporting a good cause, sign up for the Charity Ride at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Participating in the one-loop ride (14.4 miles total) supports the American Association for Cancer Research. 

  — Photo courtesy Philadelphia Cycling Classic

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