In peak Philly fashion, the race begins on the French-inspired Benjamin Franklin Parkway, follows the curves of the Schuylkill River, and passes through Fairmount Park, the nation’s largest urban park system. The course then enters the historic neighborhood of Manayunk. Cyclists travel through Main Street before turning onto the most iconic, and by far the most challenging, part of the course: the Manayunk Wall. This 17 percent-grade climb tests cyclists’ strength, endurance, and grit.

 

Leaving Manayunk behind, riders briefly enter Roxborough before the journey takes them back down to Kelly Drive. After a short traverse through Strawberry Mansion, the peloton tackles Lemon Hill, directly across from Boathouse Row, an iconic city landmark.

 

Finally, the 14.4-mile loop brings competitors back to the Start/Finish on the Parkway before they head out once again! Spectators line the streets at every point along the circuit to cheer on these world-class professional cyclists.