The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic made Philly history. One man is on a mission to bring it back.Cycling enthusiastic and Center City businessman Carlos Rogers, in Philadelphia, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Rogers has begun a grassroots mission to revive the iconic Philadelphia International Cycling Classic.Back when Carlos Rogers was a kid growing up in Philly, the world renowned bike race that came to be known aswas the stuff of dreams.
Since its start in 1985, the epic race in all its various incarnations bearing the names of its various corporate sponsors drew professional cyclists from all over the world. Olympic gold medal-winning speed skater Eric Heiden was its first winner. Each year, tens of thousands of spectators packed the sidelines of the 14-mile route, waving and cheering, cowbells in hand, bursting with Philly pride.But 2016 was the final year.
Rogers said what really inspired him was watching the inaugural Maryland Cycling Classic in 2022, a race that also draws international talent.State Rep. Tarik Khan, “It became challenging to find replacement sponsors, but that’s true with so many different sports,” Morton said. “It’s a big nut to crack.”“I think it was a great event for the city. It was high visibility; teams came from around the world. So everybody knew about the bike race in Philadelphia. But I think it has to work for the city financially,” Morton said., a Philadelphia economic consultant, did a pro bono financial impact study on reviving the race.