When the once-threatened annual Philadelphia bicycle race returns this summer, don't expect to see it near the Philadelphia Museum of Art or the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Instead, organizers of the June 2 Parx Casino Philly Cycling Classic have opted for a more compact course that will start and end near the top of the steep Manayunk stretch dubbed “the Wall.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that's intended to consolidate crowds and reduce city charges for closing streets, police overtime and cleanup.
Riders will still cycle along Kelly Drive and through Fairmount Park for the 120-mile men's race and 60-mile women's race.
Civic leaders had to scrambled to save the event after the Pro Cycling Tour announced earlier this year that it wouldn't be held due to rising costs and loss of sponsors.
U.S. Rep. Bob Brady organized a team of sports event professionals, cycling advocates and local business and community leaders to save the race
The annual summertime event, held in the city since 1985, featured a 156-mile championship held over a 14.5-mile course from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway through the nearby community of Manayunk.
