“In 2014 we will be back with a premier international, professional cycling race”
In the wake of last Sunday’s news that the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship had to be cancelled for this season, the mayor of the city has affirmed that he will do what he can to ensure that the race or another big event will be held next year.
The loss of the landmark race is a big blow to the US circuit but if Mayor Michael Nutter and others are successful, a sustainable event could begin in 2014 and enjoy a solid future.
“While we are all greatly disappointed by the cancellation of the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship this year owing to the organizer’s inability to secure a title sponsor, I want all who are devoted to cycling to know that we are committed to working with the very best promoters to develop a complete event in 2014 that will re-establish our city as a world-class cycling destination,” Mayor Nutter said, according to Philly.com.
“In 2014, we will be back with a premier international, professional cycling race, but we’ll also be honouring the importance of the bicycle as a major form of transportation in the 21st Century.”
The American pro scene has been hit hard this year in the aftermath of the US Postal Service/Lance Armstrong investigation, with the negative headlines from that plus the slow economy ensuring that many teams and races have been left wanting in terms of backing.
However Nutter appears determined to fill the gap. “I want to be very clear about where we are headed,” he said. “We are a first class city and we deserve a first class pro cycling race that is fiscally sustainable and professionally administered. The City will engage in the appropriate due diligence, conferring with a wide range of people in the racing world to achieve that goal.”
Last week David Chauner, a former Olympic rider who was one of the event’s founders, said that the organisers of the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship would do their utmost for next season. “We are disappointed that we must remove the race from the calendar in 2013, but we feel that we will be able to reorganize with new partners and make this the preeminent event the region deserves in 2014 and beyond,” he stated.
“The race is more than just about cycling; it reflects the spirit and passion of our region through all that have been involved.”
It is as yet unclear if Nutter’s intentions are to work with the previous organisers in building towards a 2014 race.
Last year's men's event was won by Team Type 1's Alexander Serebryakov [pictured] while the women's Liberty Classic was taken by Specialized Lululemon's Ina-Yoko Teutenberg.