Bicycling Tradition Returns

Thousands of people lined the streets of Manayunk for the 25th annual Philadelphia International Cycling Championship. It's one of the most important pro-cycling races in the country, but it almost didn't happen. Fox 29's Robin Taylor talked to spectators and businesses who were pleased with last-minute sponsors stepping forward.

The Philadelphia International Championship is a 156-mile bike race thru the streets of Philadelphia. Pro cyclists ride 10 laps on a 14-mile course that cuts thru the heart of Manayunk.

"They are like elbow to elbow going 30mph. You've got to be tough-minded," said Joe Millet an amateur cyclist from Lansdale, PA.

Crowds line the streets. For residents it's an annual tradition with a party-like atmosphere.

"Seeing the crowd, seeing all the people out here, it's just a really great atmosphere," said Bryan Wilfong of Springfield, PA.

But this year's race was nearly cancelled. In these tough economic times it's hard to find sponsors. In the end, TD Bank along with Sugarhouse and Foxwoods Casinos stepped forward with the funding.

"We were so glad they were able to pull it off again. It's great for tourism and the city of Philadelphia," said Winnie Clowry, a Manayunk business owner.

Still it was a scaled-back version of the race. There were no TV cameras broadcasting it live, no jumbotrons along the course, no big cash prizes for the winners and far fewer riders. Yet that didn't spoil the atmosphere or tarnish the amazement for want-to-be athletes on the sidelines.

"They're all packed together like a foot apart and um the speed was tremendous. It's pretty exciting for us weekend warriors," said Millet.

The toughest part of the race is the World-famous Manayunk Wall. It's a half mile up this very steep hill. And the racers don't just do it once, they do it 10 times.

"I'm glad I'm a spectator and not out there on this hot day," said Frank Bottorff a cycling enthusiast.

For businesses along Main Street the race brings in tourists and dollars. And it couldn't come at a better time.

"This whole weekend is phenomenal because things are a little softer than they've been over the years, so it's very nice to have this, I guess shot in the arm,” said Clowry of Winnie’s LeBus restaurant.

"I'm really glad they brought it back and kept it around being that it’s the 25th anniversary. I think it would be a sad thing to see this race ever to go," said Wilfong.

Almost 300-thousand people lined the streets to watch the six hour race. It's estimated the race brings in 15-million dollars to the Greater Philadelphia region.