If you want to see the pros race in 2010, you’ll have to start your engines … and expect to drive at least an hour.
The closest professional bicycle races in the National Racing Calendar released last week by the sport’s governing body, USA Cycling, are the Wilmington Grand Prix, in Wilmington, Del. on May 22; the Kelly Cup, in Baltimore,the next day; and the Liberty Classic, in Philadelphia, June 6.
There will be no professional races in Lancaster, Reading, Allentown or Altoona in the coming year.
Professional cyclists last came to Lancaster in 2007, when the last Commerce Bank Tom Bamford Classic race was held. Along with races in Reading and Philadelphia, the series was called the Pennsylvania Triple Crown. The Lancaster race, held each spring for 17 years, moved to Allentown in 2008 after the organizers wanted the race to return to Tuesday afternoon instead of Sunday and a larger financial contribution was sought from the Lancaster officials. Last year, the Allentown and Reading races disappeared completely when money got tight. The Philadelphia race was only held after a public plea was made for last-minute donations and additional corporate sponsors were found.
