New organizers are bringing a major road race back to Philadelphia earlier than expected thanks to some help from a congressman.
Last month longtime race organizer Dave Chauner announced that the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic would not be held in 2013 because of lack of sponsorship. Soon after, Mayor Michael A. Nutter promised the city would host a major pro road race in 2014, pointedly leaving the door open to working with organizers other than Chauner.
"We are committed to working with the very best promoters," Nutter said.
Last week U.S. Rep. Bob Brady announced that a race would be held this year. Brady is a Democrat who has represented Pennsylvania's first congressional district since 1998.
“The Mayor has called for a premier cycling event and the team we have pulled together intends to deliver nothing less for the City of Philadelphia in 2013,” Brady said in a statement. “As long as there is a Wall in Manayunk there will be a world class cycling event in Philadelphia.”
Brady had held a series of meetings with local elected officials, cycling enthusiasts and corporate leaders in recent weeks.
The new race's organization team includes Alan Morrison, the founder of the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon; Richard Adler, head of Philadelphia Triathlon, LLC; Karen Bliss, vice president of marketing for Advanced Sports International; Ryan Oelkers, co-founder of the Cadence Cycling Foundation; Bob Clowry, a Manayunk-based businessman and certified cycling coach; and Jane Lipton, executive director of the Manayunk Development Corporation.
Robin Morton of G4 Productions will be the race director.
Organizers said they will announce a title sponsor in coming weeks.
