PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- After a 10-year hiatus, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic, presented by AmeriGas, made its grand return to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sunday.
Dating back to 1985, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic is considered one of America's most prestigious international cycling events, bringing hundreds of thousands of spectators together from around the world and right here at home.
Both the men's and women's races took riders on a 14.4-mile loop through some of Philadelphia's favorite neighborhoods, including a climb atop the famed Manayunk Wall.
The women's racers at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic have made their first trip up the infamous 'Manayunk Wall.'
It's a climb up Levering Street and Lyceum Avenue that reaches a punishing 17% grade at its maximum.
It has been a central feature of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic since its beginning.
After a roughly 15 minute ceremonial start, the women's race at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic official got underway when the pace car pulled out of the way.
The women had just a few minutes of riding before reaching the infamous Manayunk Wall!
The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is underway with the ceremonial start of the women's race.
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The Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns to the city on August 30, 2026 after a decade without a race and we have some of the best watch spots to catch the action. The all-day event features a women's race in the morning and a men's race in the afternoon and each watch spot provides a unique spin on the action.
Philadelphia has been called America's Frenchest city by the Michelin Green Guide and the start and finish line along Benjamin Franklin Parkway provides a Paris-like backdrop according to race announcer and American cycling pioneer John Eustice.
Other great vantage points along the 14-mile circuit include Main Street in Manayunk where businesses are open and the streets are flooded with people. At the corner of Levering and Main racers will navigate one of the sharpest turns on the race cross over the cobblestones and start the climb up the Manayunk Wall. It is one of America's most iconic cycling climbs.
The sprint portion of the race takes place along Kelly Drive at the intersection of Midvale where racers earn points in the individual sprint competition.
Lemon Hill is where the true race fans often hang out. It is the most frequented part of the course other than the start and finish line. There is a climb that factors into the King and Queen of the Mountains and the park setting provides a party-like atmosphere.
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Sunday, August 30 | Watch live on 6abc starting at 8:30 or stream on 6abc.com, Disney+ or Hulu
