The event, known for its international draw and iconic course, will once again bring hundreds of athletes to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and surrounding neighborhoods.
"The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is back," announced Mayor Cherelle Parker.
The race is being revived by Race Street Partners, a trio consisting of former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Carlos Rodgers, and Eric Robbins.
It couldn't come at a more exciting time for the City of Brotherly Love, with myriad activities scheduled for 2026.
"Major League Baseball, NCAA and of course FIFA - we're right there at the tail end of all those activities," Nutter said.
With the start and finish on the Parkway, hundreds of athletes will race up the river drive, through the streets of lower Manayunk and then on up the infamous incline known as 'The Wall.'
"It's good for the city, for the people, for the businesses," Robbins said. "We're going to be bringing hundreds of thousands of people together."
The women's race will span approximately 62 miles on a 14.4-mile circuit, while the men's race will cover about 120 miles. AmeriGas is sponsoring the event.
"It was just a natural fit," said Bob Flexon, president of UGI. "In the first 60 seconds introducing the race, it was like, 'Yeah. We've gotta do this.'"
Michael Sharp, president of AmeriGas, added, "It's almost like cue the Rocky music, it all just lined up perfectly."
Carlos Rodgers is a cyclist himself. After competing in the race in the 90s, and feeling its absence in the last decade, it was his mission to bring the Philadelphia Cycling Classic back to its glory.
"It's an event, it's a coming together of people of all colors, of all types. It is an opportunity for people to engage, watching some of the toughest athletes in the world," Rodgers said.
6abc will serve as the broadcast partner, providing live coverage of the race in Philadelphia and streaming it to audiences worldwide.
"We will bring all the color, the sights, sound and wonderful part of Philadelphia to everyone that's excited about cycling in the world," said Bernie Prazenica, president and general manager of 6abc.