Team Novo Nordisk head home for the return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic

Top-level one-day racing returns to the USA this weekend with the hotly anticipated Philadelphia Cycling Classic back on the calendar after a ten-year absence, and Team Novo Nordisk relishing the opportunity to race on home soil at what was once America’s premier international one-day race.

First held in 1985, the 2026 edition returns to the original circuit from the early years of the Liberty Classic, with a 23km loop covered eight times and including the signature climb of the Manayunk Wall — a brutal ascent that tops out at a fearsome 17%.

Spanish climber David Lozano will lead the team alongside Italian rouleur Filippo Ridolfo, with compatriot Antonio Polga and Manxman Sam Brand providing solid support.

“The Philadelphia Cycling Classic always used to feel like one big party back in the day,” said Lozano. “Lots of people packing out the climb, and it also used to be one of the last races before the summer break — before the second half of the season — so the atmosphere was crazy! I don’t expect anything less now it’s back. It’s great to have this race on the calendar again. We’re all really looking forward to racing in America as part of Team Novo Nordisk, and personally I want to be an important rider for the team in Philly — whether that’s in the breakaway or going for the best result possible.”

Neo-pro Juan José López and Belgian Quinten De Graeve complete the line-up for the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team with the exciting prospect of showing the jersey in front of home fans an additional motivation.

“It really is fantastic to see the return of a historic American race like the Philadelphia Cycling Classic,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “As an American team I can’t emphasise enough how important it is for us to race on home roads — not only for our sponsors, but for the American diabetes community where Team Novo Nordisk has its roots.”

“I’m excited to see the course has gone back to its original format — the Manayunk Wall will be as race-defining as ever. We were last here in 2016, the last time the race was held, and only David has taken part here before. We know it will be a hard race — an old-school circuit race that will wear the peloton down with every lap — and I want to see aggressive racing from our guys. Action and visibility.”

Team Novo Nordisk at Philadelphia Cycling Classic, 30th August:

Sam Brand (GBR, 35)

Quinten De Graeve (BEL, 25)

Juan Jose Lopez (ESP, 19)

David Lozano (ESP, 37)

Antonio Polga (IT, 27)

Filippo Ridolfo (IT, 24)