Philadelphia Cycling Classic Fan Fest kicks off in Fairmount Park
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is returning after a 10-year hiatus, bringing amateur riders, professional cyclists, and fans together for a weekend of racing and cycling-themed activities.
"We're very excited to come back because you've got a beautiful crowd, beautiful day," said Mel Kornbluh of New Jersey.
Before professional cyclists take over the course Sunday, amateur riders got the first spin Saturday morning. Riders raced against the clock during a time trial along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
"I was really happy with how it went. The time trial's amazing because it's a totally inclusive event," said Bob Byrne of Broomall.
The international professional cycling event dates back to 1985. Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter called it an event for the entire community.
"This is the people's race, and so people have to be able to come and enjoy and be close to it wherever you're going to be," Nutter said.
A two-day fan festival opened at Fairmount Park to welcome spectators back. It features more than 150 vendors, live DJs, food trucks, a beer garden, cycling demonstrations, and mini-bike courses for children.
"Got to see some of the professional teams that are riding tomorrow as well, and it's just amazing to see like the bikes that they're riding and the skills that they have," said Vamsi Vuppala of Collegeville.
Vendors are also using the festival to introduce their products to cycling fans.
"We get a chance to show case out products like this electric bike," Kornbluh said.
Vicki McGinley of Manayunk said she hopes the event will bring more people together in Philadelphia.
"I love Philadelphia; it's a great city, and the more people we can bring in to see that and just more people out that live here to experience it is great," McGinley said.
Fans are now preparing to line the course for Sunday's professional races.
"We're going to ride out to Manayunk, and we're gonna cheer for the pros and maybe do some heckling and have a good time," Byrne said.
Sunday's schedule begins with a charity ride at 6:30 a.m., followed by the women's race at 8:35 a.m. and the men's race at 12:05 p.m. The fan festival at Fairmount Park will reopen from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
