Cheers to the Classic's Comeback: Philadelphia Cycling Classic and Mainstay Debut Official Philadelphia Classic Lager

Limited-edition collaboration makes its public debut Aug. 6 at a free pep rally before professional and elite cyclists from across the world transform the streets of Philadelphia into the ultimate stadium on Aug. 30.

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The Philadelphia Cycling Classic presented by AmeriGas® is giving fans another way to celebrate race weekend with the debut of the official Philadelphia Classic Lager, a limited-edition collaboration with Philadelphia's Mainstay Independent Brewing Company. 

The commemorative Vienna-style lager will make its public debut during a free Philadelphia Cycling Classic Pep Rally on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Craft Hall

in Northern Liberties, where fans will be among the first to enjoy the official race beer on draft while celebrating the final countdown to the return of one of Philadelphia's most iconic sporting events.

"The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is more than a bike race—it's a celebration of Philadelphia," said Carlos Rogers, co-owner the Philadelphia Cycling Classic. "Partnering with Mainstay for the Philadelphia Classic Lager is another way for fans to be part of race weekend while celebrating two things Philadelphia does exceptionally well: world-class sporting events and great local beer."

Crafted specifically for race day, the Philadelphia Classic Lager is a Vienna-style lager that balances refreshing drinkability with flavor and pairs well with a late-August afternoon spent cheering riders up the Manayunk Wall, on Lemon Hill or along the Parkway.

The commemorative can features artwork that blends Mainstay's signature knot rope logo with the Philadelphia Cycling Classic's iconic "P," creating a look that seamlessly reflects both brands.

"I wanted something that could be approachable to everyone, but also had some distinct character," said Brian O'Reilly, brewmaster and owner of Mainstay Independent Brewing Company. "The Philadelphia Classic Lager is perfect to sip and enjoy during the race because it's going to have a medium body. It'll have some malt character, so it's got some flavor, but it's not going to distract you from the racing. It'll just be the beer in your hand while you enjoy the process."

For O'Reilly, brewing the official race beer was a passion project that he initiated with Race Street Partners, the owners of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic. Having partnered with Rogers through regional cycling events over the years, he reached out as soon as he learned the Philadelphia Cycling Classic was returning.

Following its Aug. 6 debut, cans of Philadelphia Classic Lager will be sold at taverns and beer stores throughout Philadelphia and neighboring counties in the weeks leading up to the race. The lager will also be available on draught at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic Fan Fest on Saturday, Aug. 29, and Sunday, Aug. 30, and at Parks on Tap at Lemon Hill from Aug. 26–30.

On Sunday, Aug. 30, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic presented by AmeriGas will welcome 220 professional and elite cyclists from 35 teams representing 10 countries as they transform the streets of Philadelphia into the ultimate stadium for one of the most iconic one-day races in the United States. The event's signature 14.4-mile circuit challenges riders with steep climbs, fast descents and technical turns that reward both strategy and strength. Spectators will have multiple opportunities to experience the action up close, from the grandeur of the start/finish line on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia's Art Museum District, along Kelly Drive and Boathouse Row, through the neighborhoods of Roxborough and Manayunk, up the legendary 17-percent-grade Manayunk Wall, and into Fairmount Park, where the peloton tackles the fan-favorite Lemon Hill climb.

For more information about the Philadelphia Cycling Classic presented by AmeriGas, visit PhiladelphiaCyclingClassic.com.

About Philadelphia Cycling Classic Presented by AmeriGas® 

The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is a premier cycling event that first debuted in 1985 and quickly grew into one of the most prestigious, professional road races for an international peloton in North America. In 2026, the Classic returns with AmeriGas® as title sponsor, supporting the relaunch of this iconic Philadelphia tradition, bringing together elite athletes and passionate fans from around the globe to celebrate the spirit of competition and community. The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is owned by Race Street Partners, composed of Carlos Rogers, Eric M. Robbins, and Michael A. Nutter, former mayor of Philadelphia.