Brady: 2013 Philly bike race will go forward

As promised, Congressman Bob Brady is forging ahead to save Philadelphia’s 2013 bike race, despite insistence by the city and race organizer Pro Cycling Tour that the popular ride wouldn’t happen this year.

 

Brady announced Thursday the formation of an organization “organize and host the Philly Cycling Classic, a new world-class professional cycling race in Philadelphia in 2013.”

The six-member team includes Manayunk Development Corporation Executive Director Jane Lipton, local business leaders and representatives of various professional sporting organizations and races.

G4 Productions’ Robin Morton has been named race director of the Philly Cycling Classic, and several city- and state-level politicians have become involved in the process.

“We have informed the USA Cycling Federation and the International Cycling Union of our intent to keep the June 2, 2013 date in Philadelphia for a premier cycling event and look forward to their sanctioning this event in the near future,” Morton said in press release. “We have informed these organizations that our vision for 2013 and beyond is a more spectator friendly and technically challenging course than past races.”

Pro Cycling Tour announced last week plans to take a one-year hiatus from the 28-year Philly tradition, vowing to return to the city in 2014.

The next few weeks will be busy for the Philly Cycling Class. Announcements are expected about an overall title sponsorship, individual race sponsors and new board members.