by KYW’s Michelle Durham

A new sponsor has signed a four-year commitment to host a pro cycling event in Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania’s triple crown of cycling will take place in June with races in three cities -- Lancaster on June 4^th, Reading on June 8^th and the final leg in Philadelphia on Sunday, June 11th. Governor Rendell is thrilled:

"Commerce stepped up with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They are the main sponsor and it is going to keep our bike race alive. They signed a four-year commitment.”

David Chauner is the Director of the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling. He says our region’s race draws the world’s top cycling talent:

"Most notably, Lance Armstrong, who won the race in 1993. That was before he was diagnosed with cancer and went on to win the Tour De France."

1993 was the last year Philadelphia hosted a triple crown. The Manayunk Wall will be the true test of the world’s cyclists once again in June.