The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is back - USA sees the return of another top road race, with 7 World Tour teams confirmed
CyclingThursday, 14 May 2026 at 13:30
The USA has in the past had a large quantity of high-quality road races in the UCI calendar but over the years that influence has faded. However, the north American nation is seeing a resurgence. After the return of the Maryland Cycling Classic; the Philadelphia Cycling Classic has been officially announced to be returning in 2026, immediately attracting several World Tour teams in the process.
Cycling in the USA took a hit. A decade ago the nation was at the top of the sport, with the Richmond World Championships proving quite popular; and the Tour of California being part of the World Tour calendar. The last edition of the event was in 2019, and was won by none other than an emerging Tadej Pogacar in his first year as a World Tour rider.
But the top races that highlighted the country were all cancelled in the space of years. The Tour of California, Tour of Utah, USA Pro Cycling Challenge and Colorado Classic all disappeared; effectively ending the nation's presence at the top level of the sport when it comes to road racing.
In 2022, the Maryland Cycling Classic returned, bringing back top World Tour teams to the USA; in a racing block that is often combined with the World Tour-level GP de Québec and GP de Montréal. This year, the World Championships take place in Canada, meaning many riders will make the trip to North America, and the USA may benefit from it.
The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is reborn
Hence, it is now official that the Philadelphia Cycling Classic is returning after a 10-year absence. The race was first held in 1984 and over the years it has been won by the likes of national figures such as Lance Armstrong and George Hincapie; and in its latest years some of the world's best sprinters such as André Greipel and Matthew Goss.
The race will take place on the 30th of August, the week before the Maryland Cycling Clasic, and will have a 1.1-UCI rating. This means World Tour teams can participate, and they will. In the men's race EF Education-EasyPost, Lidl-Trek, Lotto-Intermarché, Team Jayco AlUla and NSN Cycling Team have all been confirmed to participate. In the women's event, two more Women's World Tour teams will be in the field: Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto and Human Powered Health.
Race co-owner Carlos Rogers has said the following in a press release: “In Philadelphia, sport is about energy, passion, and connection, and the Philadelphia Cycling Classic delivers all of that. We’re bringing the stadium to the streets, giving fans a chance to experience elite cycling up close and be part of the action in a way you simply can’t in most other sports.”
Race director Robin Morton added: “We are thrilled to bring world-class cycling back to Philadelphia. This race has always held a special place in the sport and to see it return with such a strong international field speaks to both its legacy and its future. August 30 will be a celebration of elite competition and the passion this city has for cycling.”
Notably, the prize money for both events will be the same, and very high by pro cycling's standards. The one-day race will feature $75,000 which will be distributed amongst the men's race; and the women's too - totaling at $150,000 for the whole event. The men's race will be 200 kilometers long whilst the women's will have 100 kilometers in distance.
USA national champion Quinn Simmons should be present at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic with Lidl-Trek
Teams for men's 2026 Philadelphia Cycling Classic
- EF Education EasyPost (USA)
- Lidl-Trek (GER)
- Lotto–Intermarché (BEL)
- Team Jayco AlUla (AUS)
- Bardiani-CSF 7 Saber (ITA)
- Modern Adventure (USA)
- NSN Cycling Team (SWI)
- Team Novo Nordisk (USA)
- APS Pro Cycling by Team Cadence Cyclery (USA)
- Competitive Edge Racing (USA)
- Meridian Racing p/b de la Uz (USA)
- Nu Colombia (COL)
- Project Echelon Racing (USA)
- Team Skyline (USA)
Teams for women's 2026 Philadelphia Cycling Classic
- CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto (GER)
- Human Powered Health (USA)
- BePink-Vini Fantini (ITA)
- PatoBike-BMC (MEX)
- Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28 (USA)
- XDS China (CHN)
- CCB Kenetik p/b Levine Law Group (USA)
- 1KFlips-FTP Racing Jakroo Mixed (USA)
- Aegis x Leaders of Enchantment (USA)
- Automatic Racing ABUS (USA)
- Competitive Edge Racing (USA)
- Cyclery Racing - Abacus Data (CAN)
- Fearless Femme Racing pb The Beasley Firm (USA)
- HigherDOSE | Renova (USA)
- Kingdom Elite Racing (USA)
- Milton Revolution Women’s U23 Project (CAN)
- United Cycling (USA)
- Team Winston Salem (USA)
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