Philadelphia Cycling Classic Fan Fest kicks off in Fairmount Park

The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is returning after a 10-year break, uniting amateur riders, professional cyclists, and fans for a weekend of racing and cycling activities. Participants expressed excitement about re-establishing the event, with Mel Kornbluh of New Jersey noting the enthusiastic and beautiful crowd. Before the professional cyclists hit the track on Sunday, amateur riders participated in a time trial along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on Saturday.

Bob Byrne of Broomall praised the inclusivity of the time trial. The event, which dates back to 1985, is described as "the people's race" by former Mayor Michael Nutter, emphasizing its communal nature. A fan festival opened in Fairmount Park to accommodate spectators, offering over 150 vendors, live DJs, food trucks, a beer garden, cycling demonstrations, and mini-bike courses for children.

Vendors used the festival to introduce their products, such as electric bikes, to cycling enthusiasts. Attendees are preparing to gather along the course for Sunday's professional races, with a charity ride at 6:30 a.m., women's race at 8:35 a.m., and men's race at 12:05 p.m. The fan festival at Fairmount Park remains open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.