Top racers set to compete at WorldTour Philadelphia Cycling Classic

The top women’s teams in the world are set to take to the streets of Philadelphia on Sunday June 5 in the UCI women’s WorldTour Philadelphia International Cycling Classic. The 20 km circuit through the streets of the city of brotherly love is a grueling and exciting scene for America’s top ranked one-day race. The men take the start the day before in the UCI 1.1. race. Many of Canada’s top racers will on the start-line. Equal prize money will once again be awarded to both the men and women.

Philadelphia mayor Jason Kenney said, “For more than thirty years, the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic has brought a collection of the greatest male and female cyclists from across the globe to our great city for a day of spirited competition. The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic showcases our city to the world of cycling enthusiasts and spectators.” said Kenney. “I would like to thank our event producer, g4 Productions, our public employees, and the citizens of Philadelphia for their hard work and dedication to ensuring that the PICC continues to thrive and build upon its legacy as a successful, world-class event.”

The race is held around a 20km city circuit with the finish line atop the Manayunk Wall which maxes out at 17 per cent. Last year Lizzie Armitstead (Boels-Doamans) won the women’s race while it was Carlos Barbero (Caja Rural) who sprinted to victory in the men’s race.

U.S. Cycling CEO Derek Bouchard-Hall said, “Philadelphia is a wonderful cycling city with a rich history in our sport and history is about to be made again with the inclusion of the PICC on the UCI Women’s WorldTour. The PICC is a wonderful and established event here in the United States, and its prestige, paired with the UCI classification, makes this an international destination for the top cyclists in the world,” he said.

Twenty of the top teams from around the world are confirmed for the women’s race including Lex Albrecht’s BePink squad, Joëlle Numainville’s Cervelo-Bigla team, and Carol Ann-Canuel’s Boel-Dolmans team which has world champion and last years winner Lizzie Armistead on it’s roster. As of the Tour of Flanders, Boels-Dolmans has won every race on the women’s WT calendar.

The full list of women’s teams that will race this June includes:

Alé Cipollini
Astana-Acca Due O
BePink LaClassica
Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team
BTC City Ljubljana
Canyon SRAM Racing
Cervélo Bigla Pro Cycling Team
Colavita | Bianchi
Conade Visit Mexico
Cyclance Pro Cycling
Hagens Berman | Supermint Pro Cycling Team
HiTec Products
Park Hotel Valkenberg
Team Rally
Team Tibco-SVB
Twenty16 powered by Ridebiker
UnitedHealthcare Women’s Pro Cycling
Visit Dallas DNA Pro Cycling
Weber Shimano
Wiggle High5

The men’s race will take to the city circuit for nine laps. Last year Michael Woods finished second on his way to earning a spot in the WT with Cannodale Pro Cycling.

Men’s teams:

Amore & Vita Selle Italia
Astellas Cycling Team
Caja Rural Seguros
Cylance-Cannondale Pro Cycling powered by Incycle
Cycling Academy-Cannondale
Elevate Pro Cycling powered by Bicycle World
H & R Block
Holowesko | Citadel Racing Team p/b Hincapie Sportswear
Irish National Team
Jelly Belly powered by Maxxis
Lupus Racing Team
Team Novo Nordisk
Quebecor Garneau
Silber Pro Cycling
Team Illuminate
Team Jamis
Rally Cycling
UnitedHealthcare Professional Cycling Team