- What you should know
- After a 10-year hiatus, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic returned to the city. German Tim Torn Teutenberg won the men’s race, while Chiara Consonni of Italy won the women’s race.
- Biking fans flooded the streets to watch the race, a rare chance to see world-class cyclists up close.
- Roads along the race route will remain shut down after the race and some SEPTA buses will be diverted. Here’s a rundown.
- Inquirer sports reporter Ariel Simpson attempted to climb the imposing Manayunk Wall. Here’s how she did.
// Timestamp 08/30/26 4:52pm
After 10 years, a glorious return to Philly
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// Timestamp 08/30/26 4:40pm
Tim Torn Teutenberg wins men’s race at Philly Cycling Classic
German cyclist Tim Torn Teutenberg cross the finish line first to win the men’s race at the first Philadelphia Cycling Classic in 10 years.
“It was a super good atmosphere today,” Teutenberg told 6abc following his victory, comparing it to the prestigious Tour of Flanders in Belgium.
Teutenberg finished the 120-mile race in just under four hours and 21 minutes. American cyclist Riley Sheehan finished fourth, coming in about 22 seconds behind the leaders.
Here are the top five finishers:
- Tim Torn Teutenberg (Germany): 4:20:55
- Robert Donaldson (Great Britain): 4:20:55
- Jonas Rutsch (Germany): 4:20:55
- Riley Sheehan (U.S.): 4:21:17
// Timestamp 08/30/26 4:00pm
Fans sticking around, even through some rain
Rain began to empty Levering Street Monday afternoon, but many fans remained to watch the Cycling Classic, some following the race closely on their screens.
Other than a spot shower here or there, the greatest chance of rain in Philadelphia is later tonight, according to the National Weather Service.
// Timestamp 08/30/26 3:24pm
Crash sends cyclist to the hospital
A crash between Ezra Caudell and Milan Menten on Kelly Drive knocked Caudell unconscious a little under two and a half hours into the race.
Caudell has since regained consciousness and is on his way to the hospital to be assessed, according to 6abc’s broadcast.
— Mia Messina
// Timestamp 08/30/26 2:29pm
Fans still cheering cyclists at the Manayunk Wall
Almost two and a half hours since the start of the men’s race, fans at the Manayunk Wall are not done cheering:
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And out comes the champagne
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He grew tired of race crowds. Now he’s thrilled the Cycling Classic is back.
Thomas Gartside, 77, remembers feeling a bit tired of the crowds coming to his Manayunk block on race day. The decade-long hiatus changed his perspective.
“I remember the first race, it was amazing: No one was here and they had a helicopter,” said Gartside, who moved by the Manayunk Wall a year before the inaugural 1985 race.
Over the years, he said, the race expanded and his block got more crowded. By 2016, he didn’t come outside to witness the spectacle, unaware the cyclists’ return would be an uphill battle.
On Sunday, seeing the street packed with hundreds of cheerful people brought joy back to Gartside, who decided to hold his own small gathering with bagels and coffee.
“I got a little tired of it, but this is reinvigorating,” Gartside said staring at the crowd standing shoulder to shoulder outside his door. “Look at all the energy and all the neighbors.”
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Philly couple has a message for men climbing the Manayunk Wall
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Philly Cycling Classic: Livestream
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Kim Stoveld, a Philly native, on her unusual path to Cycling Classic
Kim Stoveld, a Philadelphia native, took an unconventional route to appear in the Cycling Classic.
The former University at Buffalo swimmer did not pick up competitive cycling until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Six years later, she placed 71st in her hometown race with a time of 2:37:59.
“I watched this race in 2013, 2014, ’15, and ’16 when it was still going on, and I was just getting into cycling,” Stoveld said. “And then to be on the other side of it, 10 years later, is just like a dream come true. Just absolutely amazing.”
Stoveld looked to break away from the main pack of cyclists in the final stretch, but failed to will herself to the front.
“I am a breakaway rider,” Stoveld said. “My best bet is to win in a small break, and unfortunately, being caught by world tour teams was probably inevitable. But that was my shot, and I was happy to shoot it.”
One section of the race Stoveld had a leg-up in over some of her competition was Manayunk’s “The Wall” — which sees riders climb 210 feet at a steep incline. Stoveld hosts a “group ride” every Tuesday, noting that “those poor suckers” who sign up for her ride take on the Wall with her every week.
One reporter asked Stoveld what her advice would be to young women looking to take up cycling.
“If I can do this good in my late 30s, picking it up at 30, you as an 8-year-old getting into sports will dominate,” Stoveld said. “Please keep riding your bike”
// Timestamp 08/30/26 12:05pm
Men’s race underway
The women have finished their Philadelphia Cycling Classic race. Now it’s the men’s turn.
The 120-mile men’s race began shortly after noon on the Ben Franklin Parkway. The cyclists will complete eight laps around the 14-mile course.
// Timestamp 08/30/26 11:40am
Chiara Consonni wins women’s race at Philly Cycling Classic
The women’s race in the first Philadelphia Cycling Classic in a decade is over, with Chiara Consonni finishing first place.
Consonni, a professional cyclist from Italy, finished the 62-mile race in just under two hours and 35 minutes, edging out Alexandra Volstad of Canada.
Here are the top five finishers, who all finished within a second of each other:
- Chiara Consonni (Italy): 2:34:55
- Alexandra Volstad (Canada): 2:34:55
- Ella Sabo (U.S.): 2:34:55
- Kristen Faulkner (U.S.): 2:34:55
- Marit Raaijmakers (Netherlands): 2:34:55
// Timestamp 08/30/26 11:10am
Crowds cheer at the Manayunk Wall
There’s no shortage of cheers and warm welcomes at the Manayunk Wall. It’s not just the first to arrive who feel the crowd’s support – those coming behind get even more:
At the Manayunk Wall, the first riders aren’t the only ones to feel the support: pic.twitter.com/i2b4fGS4EQ
— Michelle Myers (@MichelleAMyers) August 30, 2026
// Timestamp 08/30/26 11:01am
‘It’s inspiring me to put more effort into cycling’
Rita’s water ice in one hand and a cowbell in the other, Jim Lamond let the clank of the bell ring out as racers rode past on Ben Franklin Parkway on their third lap.
Lamond, 57, came to the race with his daughter, Katie Coulter, 28, who is just starting to get into cycling and triathlon and wanted to witness the sport on this scale in person.
“During the triathlon, cycling is the one discipline that I struggle with the most,” Coulter said. “So seeing the ladies and the professionals do this, it’s inspiring me to put more effort into cycling, and seeing how effortless they do it, it’s really inspiring for me.”
For the few seconds the cyclists are riding past, Lamond and Coulter are fixed on the course, but in the downtime between laps, the Fan Fest on the parkway has plenty to pass the time.
Food trucks line the streets, including the Rita’s Water Ice truck where Lamont got his. There are also tents with fan activations and giveaways, merchandise and cycling apparel for sale, a DJ, and a screen displaying all the action.
“Here at the Fan Fest, you have all different vendors between the equipment for the riding and things like that, the helmets, the bikes, keeps them interactive with the kids,” Lamond said. “They have a Fan Fest for the kids as well, and you get to experience the atmosphere of being outside.”
— Mia Messina
// Timestamp 08/30/26 10:46am
‘It’s like a mini Tour de France’
Alice Antonelli, 65, woke up at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday unable to contain her excitement for the return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic.
“I wasn’t able to come before. I had kids and a lot going on,” Antonelli said. “I’m so thrilled it’s back. It’s like a mini Tour de France.”
In a new era of her life, the avid cyclist and financial consultant was among the 400 registered for the Charity Ride for AACR, the American Association for Cancer Research. She completed her race in under an hour, she said, and came back to the Manayunk Wall to cheer for the women’s race participants.
“Having done the course, it’s actually not bad, but the Wall separates the women from the girls. I am a girl,” Antonelli said.
Standing on the porch of a neighboring house, Antonelli couldn’t contain her enthusiasm at seeing cyclists more skilled than her go up the same hill she conquered.
“Not to say that my heart is pounding, but I’m anticipating for them; I am living vicariously through them,” Antonelli said, bringing her hand to her chest.
As the motorcycles announced the arrival of the cyclists, Antonelli couldn’t help but jump up and down in celebration, bringing her fingers to her mouth and whistling for the riders.
“I’m planning to come back next year, please keep bringing it back,” Antonelli said.
// Timestamp 08/30/26 10:40am
‘I’m just happy right now’: Father and son take in Cycling Classic
John Dempsey and his 11-year-old son, Orion, woke up at 5 a.m. to make the trip to Philadelphia from their home along the Jersey Shore.
John Dempsey wanted to show his son “something different other than the usual running or car events.”
“Even though we’re from New Jersey, we love the city of Philadelphia,” John Dempsey said. “My wife’s run the marathon here. I’ve run the half marathon here, and we’ve come here for Made in America Festival. Always nice to come back to Philly.”
Added Orion: “It’s very cool. It’s fun to be here, and I’m just happy right now.”
The two are rooting for women’s cyclists Kristen Faulkner and Laini Bones. Faulkner is two-time Olympic gold medalist while Bones won over the Dempseys through her social media content. Bones has found an online audience by attempting to beat male cyclists’ records.
“She’s viral on Instagram for taking men’s segments with Strava and talking a lot of trash to them lightheartedly and going out and beating their time,” John Dempsey said.
// Timestamp 08/30/26 10:08am
Teen spectators inspired by cyclists climbing Manayunk Wall
Eyes glued to a cell phone, siblings Tess and Fitz Dolan counted down the seconds it took women cyclists to arrive at the Manayunk Wall, closely following their trip on the livestream.
The mountain biker teens’ ages were in the single digits when the race went away, and they never had a chance to see it in person. Now, they don’t plan on losing sight of the cyclists as they wait for their arrival at Tower and Levering Srreets.
“It’s so cool to see them do this because we are used to these roads and we bike there,” said 16-year-old Tess Dolan. “The women are putting in a lot of work and they are just rocking it.”
Her older brother, Fitz, was equally in awe of the bikers’ performances. The 18-year-old has biked up the Manayunk Wall just once and considers it to be a challenge for any cyclist.
“It was fun, but very hard because it’s so long and really stiff,” Fitz said. “They made it look so effortless and I can vouch it’s not as easy as it looked.”
Seeing the women’s strength and the cheering spectators inspired Tess to put the Manayunk Wall on her bucket list.
“It’s important for us to see them. It gives us inspiration to go outside and get on the bike,” Tess said, praising the work of the organizers and cyclists. “Thank you for bringing it back and putting in the work, because I’m sure it wasn’t easy.”
// Timestamp 08/30/26 9:29am
Mayor Parker says the Cycling Classic is bringing ‘the stadium to the streets’
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker is looking to “keep pushing” for the city to host “even more grander events.” In the meantime, she is enjoying the spotlight sports have shined on Philadelphia this summer.
“Philadelphia is a tough city,” Parker said. “When you hear people describe our grit, our resilience, our stick-to-itiveness, our fight… battling the underdog notion – it’s a real thing. But sometimes we forget how amazing we are, and when we look at 2026 and all that we have accomplished through FIFA, the MLB [All-Star Game], the Cycling Classic, all of the amazing events that were here, We are a world-class global city and prepared to receive guests from around the world.”
Parker also noted the event is a “very equitable opportunity” for all Philadelphians because it is free to watch. Unlike some of the other events Philadelphia held this summer, the Cycling Classic “brought the stadium to the streets.”
“We got a chance to drive through in Roxborough and Andorra and Manayunk, and even if you didn’t get a chance to see it, right now, you will see families have set up barbecues. They’re doing cookouts and parties at their houses. You also can tell that people have made sure their their lawns are well manicured, it’s a big thing.”
// Timestamp 08/30/26 9:11am
‘That’s crazy’: Spectators watch cyclists conquer the Manayunk Wall
The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is underway. At the Manayunk wall, people eagerly celebrate the cyclists arrival after a decade long hiatus.
Via @PhillyInquirer pic.twitter.com/2UcdYnuHne
— Michelle Myers (@MichelleAMyers) August 30, 2026
The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is underway. As a group of women speedily cycled by Main Street, dozens of people came out of their Manayunk homes to await them with cheers and praise.
Whistles began to blow, alerting spectators to their impending arrival. “They are coming,” some started yelling as a small fleet of police in motorcycles drove by.
Ringing bells, the eager crowd leaned harder on the barricade, cheering and clapping, before the cyclist speedily rode hill up, with such force the 8% to 9% incline looked effortless.
In less than 40 seconds the women were up the hill and gone from the view of their supporters, but the cheering spirit did not stop.
Shouts of: ”That’s crazy,” and “they are amazing” could be heard among the crowd as they disappeared into the next section.
// Timestamp 08/30/26 8:57am
Celebrating her birthday watching the return of the Philly Cycling Classic
Taking deep breaths, Ashley and Dylan O’Neill walked up Lyceum Street looking for the best spot to see cyclists ride the Manayunk Wall.
The walk was stiff and the air felt slightly humid, but after waiting a decade to experience their first Philadelphia Cycling Classic, Ashley felt like this was the best way to spend her 41st birthday.
“My stepdad wouldn’t stop talking about it: The people gathered together, and the happiness, but for years there was no race,” she said.
“We were bummed out because it’s such a unique thing for a city to do, that to have the city lose something like this is a huge loss for the entire community,” Dylan added.
As soon as the Trenton couple learned the race was coming back, they booked an Airbnb and bought train tickets to Philly.
“We are excited to see the women race and then the men race, especially Quinn Simmons, but we are definitely leaving the cycling to them, because even walking up is hard enough,” Ashley said.
As folks began to gather along the street, the O’Neills plan to return every year to see the race and watch it from different spots.
“We hope they keep doing it, because it’s such a unique thing and Philly is the perfect place to do it,” Dylan said.
// Timestamp 08/30/26 8:39am
Women’s race underway
For the first time in 10 years, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic is officially underway.
The 62-mile women’s race began shortly after 8:30 a.m. on the Ben Franklin Parkway. The cyclists will complete four laps before the men’s race begins at noon.
// Timestamp 08/30/26 7:18am
Philly Cycling Classic race route
The course is a 14.4-mile circuit that will start and finish on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The women’s race will total 65 miles, while the men’s race will be 122 miles.
The original course ran up the Ben Franklin Parkway to Kelly Drive, passing through East Falls, Roxborough, and Manayunk, which was home to the most famous part of the course, the Manayunk Wall.
This year’s race will return to that original course, and will take participants past Strawberry Mansion, Lemon Hill, Boathouse Row — and, of course, up the Wall.
The Wall is a steep incline hill, reaching up to a 17% grade over a stretch of about a half mile, mostly on Levering Street in Manayunk. It is considered one of the race’s most iconic components, and has been part of the race since 1985, when Jerry Casale and David Chauner first mapped out the course
— Mia Messina
// Timestamp 08/30/26 7:18am
The best places to watch the Philly Cycling Classic
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How to watch the Philly Cycling Classic?
6abc will air the Philly Cycling Classic from 8:30 a.m. until noon, when it switches over to coverage of the U.S. Open.
The station is also offering live coverage of the race on the station’s YouTube Channel and website, and on Hulu and Disney+. A special will air at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday on 6abc.
The women’s race will start at 8:35 a.m. with the men’s race to follow at noon.
For fans interested in attending, access to the race will be free, meaning anyone can line up along the course to watch.
Traditionally, large parties take place along the tight streets of Manayunk, turning the race into a festival of sorts. But for those not located in the Manayunk area, the event’s official Fan Fest will be held by the Iroquois Sculpture near the Philadelphia Museum of Art from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Entry is free and will include vendors, live entertainment, a stream of the race, activities for kids, and a beer garden.
— Mia Messina
// Timestamp 08/30/26 7:12am
Road closures in Center City Sunday
The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is back after a decade-long hiatus, bringing loads of cycling fans, events, and road closures along with it.
Plan ahead if you need to drive near the 14.4-mile path for the main women’s and men’s races, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and noon, respectively, and the morning charity ride, which begins at 6:30 a.m.
The following road closures will take effect from 3 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway:
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 17th Street to Eakins Oval (all lanes)
- Eakins Oval (all lanes)
- I-676 ramps at 22nd Street
- I-76 eastbound off-ramp at Spring Garden Street
- Spring Garden Tunnel
- Rear of Philadelphia Museum of Art — Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive
- 1900 block of Race Street
- 1800 and 1900 blocks of Vine Street
- Park Towne Place between 22nd and 24th Streets
- 2000 and 2100 blocks of Winter Street
- Spring Garden Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and 31st Street
- All roads from Arch to Spring Garden Streets, 18th to 22nd Streets (access maintained for residents)
- All roads from Arch Street to Fairmount Avenue, 22nd to Corinthian Streets (access maintained for residents)
- 23rd Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Eakins Oval
- 22nd Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
- 21st Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
- 20th Street between Arch Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
- 19th Street between Callowhill and Cherry Streets
- 16th, 17th, and 18th Streets between Arch and Spring Garden Streets, if public safety conditions warrant
- 1600 and 1700 blocks of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, if public safety conditions warrant
Fairmount Park:
- Kelly Drive (all lanes)
- Waterworks Drive
- Reservoir Drive
- Lemon Hill
- Sedgley Drive between Girard Avenue and Kelly Drive
- Poplar Drive between Girard Avenue and Kelly Drive
- MLK Drive from Falls Bridge to Eakins Oval
Manayunk and Roxborough:
- Ridge Avenue between Kelly Drive and Hermit Street
- Main Street between Ridge Avenue and Green Lane
- Levering Street between Main and Tower Streets
- Cresson Street between Levering and Cotton Streets
- Lyceum Avenue between Tower and Mitchell Streets
- Pechin Street between Green Lane and Roxborough Avenue
- Roxborough Avenue between Mitchell and Terrace Streets
- Manayunk Avenue between Roxborough Avenue and Osborn Street
- Rector Street between Terrace and Pechin Streets
- Pensdale Street between Terrace and Lauriston Streets
- Kingsley Street between Manayunk Avenue and Lauriston Street
- Salaignac Street between Manayunk Avenue and Lauriston Street
- Terrace Street between Dawson Street and Ridge Avenue
- Vassar Street from Ridge Avenue to Cresson Street
- Mitchell Street from Connaroe to Martin Streets
- Additional streets: unit blocks of Shurs Lane, Jamestown Street, Pensdale Street, Roxborough Avenue, Grape Street, Levering Street, Gay Street, Carson Street, Rector Street, Cotton Street, and Connaroe Street, and the 300 block of Burnside Street
SEPTA detours
The following SEPTA bus routes will be detoured through Kelly Drive, Manayunk, and Roxborough beginning at 4 a.m. Sunday: 7, 9, 27, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48, 49, 52, 60, 61, 65, 82, 124/125, K.
For information on specific route changes, visit www.septa.org.
How the Philly Cycling Classic came back after a decade
// Timestamp 08/30/26 7:10am
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