Rider From New Zealand Wins Pro Cycling Championship

It was a sprint to the finish line involving over a dozen riders as the US Pro Cycling Championship rode to a close Sunday afternoon on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The race was won by Greg Henderson of New Zealand, representing Team HealthNet Maxis.

Regina Slyker of Germany won the women's competition of the race that winds through Philadelphia's Fairmount Park and Manayunk.

KYW’s Al Novack reports the 22nd annual US Pro-Cycling team championship Triple Crown got underway under sunny skies along the Parkway.

It was a proud Mayor Street who assisted with the countdown as 160 pro-cyclists from all over the world began the 156-mile event:

“We set up all the apparatus here and support it in a big way financially and this city has learned how to have an event like this. We do this event annually. We've developed an international reputation to do events.  And that is why we are being considered in a possible bid for the 2016 Olympics.”

Many of the pro-cyclists consider the Philadelphia course far superior and more challenging than anything in Europe.

KYW’s John McDevitt reports the excitement had been building all weekend for Philadelphia's International Pro Cycling championship. Riders were out on the road Saturday getting geared up for the event.

Many people enjoying their Saturday bicycling along the river drives were treated periodically to several pro teams zooming by as they prepared for the Pro Cycling event.

Chris Hanson of Lafayette Hill says he likes to do what he calls to ‘hop in their slip stream’:

“You see them.  Their just cruising, just taking it easy.  Not going too hard before the race but you hop in behind, maybe get a chance to talk to them, but just hop in and try to hold on to their tale and just cruise down the road.”

Hanson says by Philadelphia hosting world class events like this one, it could open doors to other possibilities.

“Especially if the city wants to host the Olympics, it’s good practice. By bringing the international community here, the foreign press, I’m sure it’s good practice.”