Pennsylvania city gears up for Commerce Bank Reading Classic

Officials in Reading, PA, are again gearing up for what has become the city’s largest single-day, free, sporting event, the Commerce Bank Reading Classic, this year on Thursday, June 5th. This world-class professional cycling race is the second leg of the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling series and features nearly 200 of the sport’s professional athletes competing for the leader’s jersey. As in previous years, the demanding 75-mile race is sure to push the international peloton to its limit over the course of 11 laps on a challenging 7.6-mile circuit that connects downtown with Mt. Penn.

New Start Times

This year marks the third consecutive year that Reading will host the event, and a few changes are in store to maximize the experience for everyone. For starters, the races will begin an hour earlier than in years past. The Elite Amateur Men’s race will start at 10 a.m.; the Pro Women will go off at 11:15 a.m.; and the featured international Pro Men’s race will begin at 1 p.m.

“The earlier start means an earlier finish, which will be good news for rush hour traffic in and around the city as people are heading home both from the event and from work,” said Jerry Casale, chief operating officer of Pro Cycling Tour, organizers of the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling. “That’s as important to Pro Cycling Tour as it is to the city of Reading because we really strive to make a major event like this as easy as possible for people to implement, experience and live with so that we’re invited back year after year.”

“We always look forward to the cyclists coming back to town,” said Reading Mayor Thomas McMahon. “The Commerce Bank Reading Classic is among the most prestigious events on the international cycling calendar, and we’re very proud of that fact. We appreciate what the race brings to Reading in terms of tourism and event dollars spent here, but we especially love the sense of community and involvement it creates for our residents and their families. And it should not be overlooked that the race costs nothing to be a spectator. Simply take a spot along the race course, and enjoy the action!”

Be A Part of the Action

From volunteering opportunities and VIP areas to the Lifestyle Expo and Fun Zones, there are a variety of ways to become a part of race day.

Volunteer. The public is invited to experience the excitement of professional cycling first-hand by volunteering with Pro Cycling Tour. Hundreds of volunteers will be needed as course marshals, stage crew, foreign language interpreters, drivers and support for hospitality and public relations. For more information about volunteer positions, go to www.procyclingtour.com and click on the Volunteers link.

Go to the Zones. Reading’s Family Fun Zones offer food vendors, live music and entertainment and some of the best vantage points for viewing the race. City Park Fun Zone is located right at the cyclists’ feed zone and provides a great spot for watching their climb up Duryea Drive. The Centre Park Fun Zone is situated on a long, uphill straight-away on Centre Avenue and new this year will be a Downtown Fun Zone which will put spectators in close proximity to the thrills of the start/finish line on Penn Street. WEEU-830AM radio also broadcasts live from each of the Fun Zone spots.

In addition, Mayor McMahon hinted that details will soon be forthcoming on exciting new activities that the community will be invited to participate in on the day of the races.

Be A VIP. Exclusive VIP ticket areas can bring you even closer to the racing action and are complete with course-side hospitality in the private, gated Champion’s Club tent; and private restrooms. For more information, go to www.procyclingtour.com today and click on the Tickets link.

Show Off at Expo. Products and services that appeal to active adults and families should be sampled and demonstrated at Pro Cycling Tour’s Lifestyle Expo, which will be located on Penn Street near the start/finish line. “Expo is a great opportunity for companies, retailers and community organizations to talk directly with their customers in a distinctive sporting environment,” said Casale. “If people have questions about bicycles, cycling gear or fitness, Expo is where they go.” For more information on Expo space, go to www.procyclingtour.com and click on the Expo link.

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