Mayor Kenney Welcomes International Cycling Classic

Cyclists compete in the Philly Cycling Classic men’s race, Sunday June 2, 2013, in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic is coming to Manayunk and Roxborough on Sunday, and Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., says he’s “stoked.”

At a press conference on Friday, Jones stood with Mayor Jim Kenney and deputy managing director Dave Wilson to invite people out to the race. Jones said he has eight different cowbells from the past eight years of ringing in the cyclists as they make laps around the course, which goes from the Manayunk “wall” down to Lemon Hill and back again, repeatedly, for a total of 110 miles for men and 73 miles for women. 

And Jones said the events surrounding the race have gotten more family-friendly every year, and this year’s festivities won’t be anything like years past, when Jones said he came across Kenney doing roadside jello shots.

Kenney welcomed Carlos Barbero Cuesta, the Spaniard who won last year’s men’s race and who said, through a translator, that he’s looking forward to the race, rain or shine. Kenney noted with pride that the Classic offers equal prizes to men and women — around $35,000 in all. He exhorted Philadelphians to go out and watch the race.

“Get there early, stay there late, be safe, and have fun,” Kenney said.

Portions of Main Street and Manayunk Avenue will be closed on Sunday, along with the entire length of Kelly Drive. For information on SEPTA bus schedules and detours during the race, click here. Find out about related block parties and places to watch the race here.

When pressed on more information about the jello shots, Kenney would only say that those days are behind him. We hear he’s more of a white wine guy these days.

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