Philadelphia International Cycling Championship
‘Largest Bike Race in North America’
Who is getting ready for the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship when over 180 of the top cyclists in the world take to the streets of Philadelphia. Get to witness the largest cycling event in North America that takes place every June.
Philadelphia International Cycling Championship Experience & Atmosphere
Do you have your cow bells ready? Will you be cheering and yelling to encourage the cyclists on the ‘Manayunk Wall’, one of the best spots on the race course.
Join 300,000 fans who will be watching hundreds of elite pro cyclists as they ride through our beautiful streets which are enriched with history.
The scenic 14.7 mile course begins on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, taking the riders past the Philadelphia Museum of Art, then down Kelly Drive, along the banks of the Schuylkill River, through Farimount Park, then up the feared Manayunk Wall, before heading back to the finish line on the Parkway.
One of the biggest highlights of the race is at the Manayunk Wall, a 17% grade hill, where it can become a deafening noise of spectators and their cow bells.
The total distance for the men’s race is 124 miles long. The women get to ride in what is known as the Liberty Classic, a 14.7 mile course totalling 60 mile races, consisting of over 100 professional women cyclists.
Philadelphia International Cycling Championship Extras
For the first time in history, the public will have the chance to ride the iconic course before the pros. Amateur and recreational cyclists will be able to ride three timed laps, known as the The Bicycling Magazine Open. This race that is held from 7 am to 10 am, the riders will get to even ride the infamous Manayunk Wall.
Tips : There will be road closures and packed streets, so we recommend public transportation. Using SEPTA Regional Rail can easily get you to the “Manayunk Wall”. There are even fare discounts for one day and for the family.
Race day means road closures and packed city streets, so public transportation is your best bet for getting to the feared Manayunk Wall and catching the thrilling finish on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Here are some links to help plan your trip, giving you easy access from and to the city. Manayunk Station & Suburban Station.
Best Places To Watch
- The start/finish line along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- The steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Logan Square
- Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park
- Along Kelly Drive in Fairmount Park
- Along the Manayunk Wall | Lyceum & Ridge Avenues
- Along Main Street in Manayunk
Course Profile ~ Philadelphia Bike race 2012
Story about our own Michael Chauner – Philly Local Cyclist – Michael Chauner – Philadelphia Bike Race
Location
City of Philadelphia – Stretching from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Logan Square, down Kelly Drive, through Manayunk and back
Date
June 3, 2012 | Will be seen on television from noon until 3:30 pm
Time
10:45 am for men’s race
10:55 am for women’s race
Web Site
some pictures courtesy of Bill Cannon at Bill Cannon Photography
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