Reading Classic speeds toward Liberty

READING, Pa. - June 5, 2008 Thousands of cycling fans lined the streets of Reading to see the Reading Classic, a 10 lap 74 mile race.

The Reading classic is the second in the Commerce Triple Crown Race.

The first was Tuesday in Allentown and the grand finale is Sunday in Philadelphia; that features the infamous climb up the Manayunk wall.

Cyclists in today's race must climb 750 feet up Mt. Penn during the last three laps.

"It's simply amazing how they can ride and go up that hill up there up around the pagoda. It's amazing," Michael Schifflet of Birdsboro, Pa. said.

There is a lot of action off the course as well, with activities for children and their parents along the route downtown.

No matter who finishes first, heightened spending makes the race a winner for the local economy and area residents.