2013 Philadelphia International Cycling Championship Axed

The 2013 Philadelphia International Cycling Championship has been cancelled, for sale the first time it has not been held since the race’s inception in 1983.

The race is one of the most prestigious in the cycling calendar and is the highest-ranking single day race in the Western Hemisphere according to the International Cycling Union (UCI).

Spiralling costs and a lack of sponsorship have led to the 2013 race’s cancellation. Since 2009, event organisers in Philadelphia have been charged for police and other costs by the Nutter Administration. The race costs $1.5 million to organise and host, and 60% of this is typically met by a title sponsor.

Race co-founder, David Chauner, said: “I think the economy has a lot to do with it. We had a great relationship with TD Bank for the last four years, but their contract was up after the 2012 event, and they’ve elected to move on to other things. We’ve got a year to reorganize and restructure. We’re working with some key partners that are anxious to help us revive the race in 2014.”