Pez Sez: Alright PEZ-fans – since Mike is in Rwanda getting ready for the Worlds and other adventures – I’m stepping in with a guest post spot here at ET. After watching social media evolve over the past few years to become mostly a corporate propaganda outlet I thought it would be fun to take a look at the recent Vuelta Top 5 riders’ Instagram channels and see if anything real or authentic or even posted by the actual rider himself surfaces amongst all corporate flotsam and jetsam – let’s take a look.
TOP STORY:
Vuelta Top 5 Riders’ Instagram Round-Up & PEZ Commentary
Race News:
Philadelphia Cycling Classic Returns for 2026
2026 Montreal Road Worlds Courses Unveiled
Jonas Vingegaard – Okay so he just won the Vuelta, finished second and the Tour and let’s face it he’s got more important things to do than social media, so I can’t be too harsh on him for letting the team run his channel and post usual amount of “look how great we are over here in Team Jumbo Visma” PR. Your guess is as good as mine about what’s going on with Jonas, but I imagine he’s happy to be taking a break right now.
Joao Almeida – My hat does go off to Joao for at least making this Vuelta an actual horse race. There were a few moments there where I thought he might actually start to seriously threaten for the lead, but it was good to see him at constantly fighting and digging. Unfortunately I don’t speak Spanish so I can’t tell you what’s going on with these posts but like the rest of these guys, they look like they’re being run by the team.
Tom Pidcock – I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t think Tom had a snowball’s chance of doing anything other than maybe a stage win in this Vuelta, but look at him go and proving me all wrong. Little can be gleaned from his Instagram channel other than what we already know about his descending prowess, but he’s also got some mad skills when it comes to laying down an impressive power skid.
Jai Hindley – Now this is almost refreshing, but hardly counts as “social media” – Jai Hindley’s most recent post appears to be about two years old. I applaud him for turning off social media and just getting on with being a good bike racer – and congratulations on the nuptials.
Matthew Riccitello – Now here’s a legit social media post – honest and heartfelt. Matthew thanking everyone for supporting him in his recent success at the Vuelta, easily this is the most impressive social media post from any of the top five finishers. An interesting subplot is his move to Decathlon CMA CGM, making him another of Israel Premier Tech’s top riders to leave as he joins Derek Gee who cited team conditions as unworkable, and Mike Woods who is retiring from pro cycling, it will be interesting to watch what “unfolds” with that team in the next few weeks.
RACE NEWS
2026 Road Worlds Courses Unveiled
Just over a week before the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, the Local Organizing Committee of the Montréal 2026 “Worlds” revealed the routes of the Elite Men’s and Women’s road races. The UCI Road World Championships Montréal 2026 promise to be a historic moment as Québec and Canada unite with millions of cycling fans across the globe.
The road race courses will shine a spotlight on Montréal and eight municipalities across Montérégie. Starting in Brossard, the peloton will race through vibrant towns and scenic landscapes. Between rivers and mountains, farmland and bustling urban centres, this course showcases Montérégie’s cultural, natural, and heritage richness.
The peloton will then cross the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge, soaring over the majestic St. Lawrence River along a world-class gateway, recognized as Montréal’s iconic entrance.
Finally, the athletes will take on a formidable course in the city of Montréal, one that will put their strength and endurance to the test. Full course details will be revealed on September 26, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, during the 2025 UCI Road World Championships. Remember: all events will crown their UCI World Champions on Montréal’s legendary Parc
Said David Lappartient, President, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), “The Union Cycliste Internationale is delighted that in 2026, the UCI Road World Championships will return to Montréal—a city that, back in 1974, hosted the very first edition of our flagship annual event to be held outside Europe. There is no doubt that the 2026 UCI Road World Championships will be a sporting success and leave a lasting legacy that will further energize cycling participation.”’
Philadelphia Cycling Classic Returns for 2026
Presented by AmeriGas, Epic Race Returns in 2026 as Start of New Era for City’s International Pro Cycling Event
The Philadelphia Cycling Classic, now presented by AmeriGas®, is making a powerful comeback. Once a crown jewel of the American and international pro cycling calendar and last run in the city in 2016, the race returns on August 30, 2026 with renewed energy, civic pride, new leadership, and an inspired vision to unite sport, culture, and community.
At a City Hall press conference Tuesday, officials shared the news. “Philadelphia is proud to welcome back one of the world’s greatest sporting events,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Get excited, everyone – the Philadelphia Cycling Classic is back! This world-class event will again put Philadelphia on the global stage in 2026, and it will go well beyond next year’s celebration. An exceptional, experienced team is in place to build on the legacy of this event for many years to come. To the people of Philadelphia and the region: this race belongs to you. Whether you’re a cyclist, a neighbor, a business owner, or a fan, this event is for you, and it’s going to be extraordinary!”
Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter is part of a triumvirate, along with Eric Robbins and Carlos Rogers, comprising Race Street Partners, the group that owns the race and is leading the new organizing team. “This is Philadelphia’s race; it is the people’s race. It is open and free for all to engage with and enjoy. We are grateful to our friends at AmeriGas who embraced this vision wholeheartedly and joined us as the title sponsor. There are so many Philadelphians who remember growing up with this race, and we are beyond excited to be bringing it back in spectacular fashion for generations to come.”
The nation’s largest retail propane distributor, AmeriGas Propane L.P. is headquartered in King of Prussia, Pa., and is a subsidiary of UGI Corporation (NYSE: UGI). Mike Sharp, president of AmeriGas Propane said, “Just as AmeriGas invests in the communities where our employees live and work, we’re also heavily investing in upgrading our service standards, enhancing our delivery systems, and ensuring that every customer interaction reflects our dedication to excellence. This race represents everything we stand for – being the best competitor, bringing people together, honoring our regional roots, and supporting the neighborhoods that have supported us for generations while we fuel America’s future.”
Mayor Nutter also announced on Tuesday that 6abc has agreed to be the official broadcast and streaming partner of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic and will be bringing the event live to viewers on race day.
Experienced Organizing Team
In addition to Mayor Nutter, Race Street Partners includes Eric Robbins and Carlos Rogers. Robbins brings more than 20 years of finance and operational experience to the team to ensure the race’s long-term sustainability and positive community impact. Rogers, a Philadelphia native, has long championed the return of this race and spent more than three decades advancing the sport as both a competitive cyclist and race promoter.
Veteran race organizer and pro team manager Robin Morton, principal of g4 Productions, returns as race director. Morton is intimately familiar with the Philadelphia race, having managed pro teams that competed in the race and overseen race operations in prior years.
Additionally, a Host Committee is forming to engage the community at large and will be co-chaired by two of the city’s preeminent business and civic leaders, David L. Cohen and Lisa J. Nutter, who is also a competitive, master’s level, track cyclist and national champion.
Building out the infrastructure to mount and market the event is Philadelphia-based Athena Global Advisors, which played a major role in the winning FIFA 2026 bid for the city, in concert with Philadelphia’s Office of the City Representative and Special Events, strategic advisor Mary Stengel Austen, and communications firm Devine + Partners.
A Global Stage for the City & the Best in Women’s and Men’s Pro Cycling
Renowned for its challenging course, elite international field, and stunning urban backdrop, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic presented by AmeriGas will travel the original race route, spotlighting treasured Philadelphia landmarks, including the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Kelly Drive, the legendary Manayunk Wall, Strawberry Mansion, Lemon Hill, and Boathouse Row.
The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is sanctioned by both USA Cycling and Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). It will be one of just two UCI sanctioned, one-day road races at the 1.1 category in the U.S. in 2026 and offers equal prizes, a total of $75,000 each, for the women’s and men’s races.
Both the pro women’s and men’s races will start and finish on the Parkway. The women’s race will total about 62 miles on the 14.4-mile circuit with the men’s race totaling about 120 miles.
USA Cycling CEO Brendan Quirk shared his excitement about the race’s return. “We are delighted that this storied race is making its comeback! Its return says so much about America’s longstanding connection to world-class road racing,” said Quirk. “Philadelphia holds a special place in cycling history in this country – the caliber of athletes from all over the world who competed there is legendary. So, welcome back, Philadelphia. We can’t wait to be there with you in August 2026.”
Freddie Rodriguez, a former American pro cyclist, holds the record with four U.S. Pro championships, three of which were won in Philadelphia, including an outright victory in 2001. Speaking at the press conference, Rodriguez characterized the Philadelphia course as one of the most challenging on the international racing calendar and one that cyclists eagerly anticipated. “I had a history of doing well here, so Philly became home to me,” said Rodriguez. “It was a monumental race for American cycling, and the racers, both Americans and Europeans, understood the quality of the race. The fact that it’s coming back with the original course is phenomenal. The Parkway feels like a stadium. There’s so much action for spectators, especially in tight areas where the race gets difficult like the 17% grade climb up the Manayunk Wall. Philly is one of the select races in the U.S. that can truly call itself a classic.”
“Today has been three years in the making for me,” said Rogers of Race Street Partners. “I was an elite amateur, and in 1994 joined a pro combine team to participate in the race. Like so many others, I have missed it dearly. I talked to everyone I could about building momentum for bringing an absolutely epic event back to an equally epic city. Thanks to Mayor Nutter and Eric Robbins, especially, today here we are. In just under a year, I look forward to seeing you all along the race course as we cheer on these fierce competitors and welcome them as only Philadelphia can.”
Sponsorship and Community Engagement
More than a single day of racing, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic is envisioned as a multi-day festival that supports neighborhoods, small businesses, schools, and civic engagement—creating opportunities for lasting economic and social impact throughout the city.
The race also offers a range of tiered sponsorship opportunities designed to encourage broad participation from both the corporate sector and community partners. These tiers provide varying levels of visibility and engagement, from top-tier branding opportunities to more community-centered activations. All sponsorship packages include customizable experiences, VIP hospitality access, and the ability to align with charitable initiatives.
Every sponsorship level is built around visibility, impact, and authentic engagement with Philadelphia’s diverse communities.
For more information, sponsorship inquiries, and media requests, please contact the Philadelphia Cycling Classic at [email protected] or visit www.philadelphiacyclingclassic.com. Follow us on Instagram for updates and announcements.
About Philadelphia Cycling Classic
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. Its return in 2026 marks a new era for both the race and the city of Philadelphia, bringing together elite athletes, passionate fans, and global media to celebrate the spirit of competition and community.
SOURCE Philadelphia Cycling Classic
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