The organisers of the Maryland Cycling Classic have introduced a new women's 1.1 race that will take place alongside the already existing men's 1.Pro race. Both races will be held on the Saturday of September 6, 2025.
"It’s exciting to see world-class women’s professional cycling return to the United States, and I’m glad to be part of the team," Kiesanowski said in a press release issued on Monday. "Our goal is to attract a highly competitive field that showcases some of the best women in the world."
"We’re excited to announce the event dates and the addition of a women’s event, which we have been developing plans for since the inception of the project," said Terry Hasseltine, the President of the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, which owns and produces the event.
"Adding the women’s race is a great added component and will continue to help the event grow and diversify. It will be exciting for broadcast and spectator audiences to see a ‘double-header of sorts’ on race day. This will be unique to international pro bike racing and underscore America’s Biggest Race designation," said John Kelly, the event’s chair.
In addition to adding Kiesanowski as the competition manager of the women's race, other structural re-organisation included Steve Brunner, who has been involved in a key role for the event since its inception in 2020 and has been named executive director. Jim Birrel will take on the role of the race director, Bill Schoonmaker as chief commercial officer and Bobby Julich has been named competition manager.
Following the innaugural edition of 2.2 stage race Tour de Bloom (May 2-6), this is yet another addition to the growing calendar of races on American soil, coming right after the Tour of the Gila at the end of April. Despite the absence of Joe Martin Stage Race, which would have normally started 9 days later, the female branch of American cycling can look forward to bright future.