The world’s elite pro cyclists will return to Philadelphia on Sunday, June 7, 2009 for the TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship announced officials of Pro Cycling Tour, LLC, producers of the race.  This year’s event will mark the 25^th running of the only UCI Hors Category classic road race in the United States.  

Throughout its 25-year history, the Philadelphia race has been a much anticipated cornerstone of American pro cycling and is the only bike race in the United States that takes over a major city for six hours and consistently draws crowds of 300,000 plus.  The event will welcome 400 professional cyclists from 23 countries, close to 1,000 amateur cyclists in ancillary events, and more than 60 exhibitors for the all-new Cycling & Lifestyle EXPO presented by Bicycling Magazine.  (See the schedule below for all race-related events.)

“It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached the 25-year mark with the Philadelphia International Championship,” said David Chauner, Pro Cycling Tour director. “Few can deny that this race stands as a unique showcase for American pro cycling and for the City of Philadelphia.”

In addition to the Philadelphia International Championship, the event’s companion race, the Liberty Classic, will celebrate its 16th anniversary and feature the world’s top women’s teams. 

New Spectator Experience

All of the events are free and open to the public, but for the first time in the race’s history, special VIP tickets will be sold for Champions Row tents along the start/finish line, putting these race fans at the center of all the ceremony and drama that unfolds there. 

At $100 each, Gold VIP tickets include prime start/finish positioning, an all-day catered buffet, complimentary drinks, VIP credentials for special access around the course and shuttle bus transport.  Perhaps most exciting about these VIP spots is the chance to win one of 10 rides in the race’s official pace car as well as a special appearance by one of the race’s top competitors.  The Silver level VIP ticket sells for $75 and includes similar features.

“Both of these Champions Row experiences are loaded with benefits for cycling fans and are very similar to how one might purchase club box seats at a stadium or arena,” said Chauner.  “The difference is that this experience lasts all day and keeps pace with the racing action lap after lap.”

In addition to the Champions Row VIP tickets, patron packages for corporate and personal entertaining are also available.

TO BUY TICKETS NOW, CLICK HERE

TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship -- Race Weekend Schedule

Cycling & Lifestyle EXPO presented by Bicycling Magazine – Sat. & Sun., June 6 & 7, 2009

Check out everything you need to know about cycling, fitness and sports – plus test ride the latest bikes from the world’s top cycling companies.  Get tips on choosing the perfect bike, the latest cycling fashions, helmet fittings, what to eat to avoid the “bonk” while cycling or running plus so much more.  The EXPO is free to the public all weekend.

Time Trials -- Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 7 a.m.

Registration at 6 a.m. in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art

For more information, go to www.bikereg.com

Log in your best time on this five-mile course near the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art out along Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and back.  Start training to beat the clock!

Family Fun Ride – Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 7 a.m.

The public can ride the same course as the pros, including Kelly Drive, the Manayunk Wall and Lemon Hill, on Sunday morning for a small registration fee.  Preview what the world’s best cyclists will experience when you and your family join in this early morning race day favorite -- the Family Fun Ride.  Register in advance at www.bikereg.com or register that morning beginning at 6 a.m. at the main staging area at Kelly Drive and Sedgely just below the Art Museum. 

Junior PCT Grand Prix – Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.

Open to Junior riders, ages 15 to 18, who qualify to compete.  Go to www.procyclingtour.com for details.  For qualifier race information, click here.  Check out the up-and-comers as they tear around the loop between Logan Circle and Eakins Oval, sprinting for points on every lap! 

TD Bank Family Fun Zone – Sunday, June 7, 2009 from 8 a.m. to race finale

Looking for something fun to do with the kids between laps?  Check out the TD Bank Family Fun Zone located at the base of the Art Museum steps.  Located at the heart of race day action, this special TD Bank area will feature entertaining activities for the whole family.