After a ten-year absence, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic is officially back on the calendar, set to roll through the city on August 30, 2026. The race, once the crown jewel of American road cycling, returns with a new title sponsor—AmeriGas Propane L.P., the nation’s largest retail propane distributor (Hank Hill would be proud). Their backing signals not just the return of world-class professional cycling to Philly, but a celebration of American resilience as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.
A Legendary Course Returns
First run in 1985, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic quickly became one of the premier one-day races in North America. Its signature? A 14-mile circuit threading through the city’s neighborhoods and capped off by the brutal 17% grade of the Manayunk Wall. Over three decades, the race attracted international stars, energized local businesses, and turned Philly into a cycling festival with crowds that once topped 100,000 spectators.
The 2026 edition will revive those same hallmarks—a downtown start at Logan Circle, the classic circuit along Kelly Drive, the leg-breaking Manayunk Wall, and the decisive finale on Lemon Hill. It’s the course that shaped legends, and it’s set to do it again.
Civic & Community Support
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker underscored the importance of the race’s return: “This world-class event will again put Philadelphia on the global stage in 2026 and allow us to reestablish its legacy for years to come. To the people of Philadelphia and the region: this race belongs to you. Whether you’re a cyclist, a neighbor, a business owner, or a fan, this event is for you, and we are grateful to the people of AmeriGas for making that possible.”
Why It Matters
The Philadelphia Cycling Classic’s return isn’t just a nostalgic revival—it’s a critical step in rebuilding top-tier American road racing. From its early days, the event wasn’t just about who won; it was about community, competition, and spectacle. Riders like George Hincapie, Fred Rodriguez, Petra Rossner, and Ina Teutenberg all carved their names into the Wall’s history. At the same time, fans turned city streets into a carnival of cowbells and chaos.
Now, Philly has a chance to reclaim its spot as one of the most important one-day races outside of Europe. It’s a reminder that the U.S. can host truly world-class cycling—and that the sport thrives when it’s woven into the neighborhoods, businesses, and people of a city.
What’s Next
The 2026 Philadelphia Cycling Classic presented by AmeriGas® will take place on August 30, 2026. Race weekend activities, community programming, and more event details will be shared at PhiladelphiaCyclingClassic.com.
For now, one thing is sure: the Manayunk Wall will roar again.
