The event brought strong support from spectators, particularly in Manayunk, where local rider Robin Carpenter said the atmosphere was overwhelming.
"It's so loud that your ears are literally ringing. You can't hear anything else," Carpenter said.
For Carpenter, a Manayunk native, the experience was especially meaningful as fans cheered him on throughout the race.
"I mean, every time going up the wall was just hair-raising. I'm getting it right now - goosebumps on my arm just thinking about it," he said.
Men's racers tackle Manayunk Wall for first time in 2026
Brewerytown resident Kim Stoveld, who competed in the women's race, also described the event as a personal milestone.
Stoveld spent several laps at the front of the pack after breaking away from the field.
"Literally one of the best days of my life. I was here when it was back 10 years ago, sitting on this wall, drinking beers with my friends who were all riding bikes, just cheering, thinking how cool to one day maybe be in this race," Stoveld said.
The competition featured riders from around the world, including women's winner Chiara Consonni of Italy, an Olympic gold medalist who earned her first victory on U.S. soil today.
"I really like it. My first time in US so I will remember it with a smile," Consonni said.
Crashes on final sprint during dramatic end to women's race
In the men's race, Tim Torn Teutenberg claimed the victory, following in his aunt's footsteps. Ina Yoko Teutenberg won the race in Philadelphia five times between 2005 and 2012.
"Like 2:20 to go, I just went - all I had," Teutenberg recalled.
Tim Torn Teutenberg of Germany wins the men's race at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic
Fans lined the course throughout the day. Among them was Lee Rogers, owner of Bicycle Therapy on South Street and brother of Carlos Rogers, one of the leaders in bringing the event back to Philadelphia after a 10-year hiatus.
"You couldn't ask for anything better. It's in my backyard; these are all my friends and family who came out to support the event and supported the bike shop as long as it's been open. This is it. This is what the cycling community is all about," Rogers said.
As the event concluded, cyclists said they hoped to return next year, while fans expressed hopes that the Cycling Classic will remain a fixture in Philadelphia for years to come.
With the races complete, city crews turned their attention to cleanup efforts and reopening streets that had been closed for the event.