Sabo Philadelphia UCI 1.1 Podium!
Philadelphia Cycling Classic UCI 1.1
- Chiara Consoni (ITA) UCI WWT Canyon SRAM
- Alex Volstad (CAN) UCI WWT EF Education Oatly
- Ella Sabo (USA) UCI CTW Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28
- Kristen Faulkner (USA) UCI WWT EF Education Oatly
- Marit Raaijmakers (NED) UCI WWT Human Powered Health
"I’m so incredibly excited by how Philly cycling classic went! Going into this weekend, I had no idea what to expect but seeing VBR Twenty28’s past podiums at this race and all the fans out on Manayunk wall, how could I not race my absolute heart out? Then to cross the finish line in third with some of the biggest sprinter names in the world? Unreal. I think I still haven’t absorbed it all and won’t for a good while. Thank you team." - Ella Sabo
"Historic, iconic, a masterpiece in American bike racing. Philadelphia did not disappoint. It’s always been an honor to participate in this event and something that makes me so proud of our country and this great city. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to direct our small but mighty squad in a race that means so much to me personally. Every year, I raced the event, I grew exponentially as an athlete. The crowds in Philly allow us to do what we’re always meant to do which is perform and entertain. I’m so proud of our riders and how they represented the team, fighting against some of the best professional teams in the World." - Director, Shelley Olds
The Philadelphia Cycling Classic, the only UCI 1.1 women’s race in the United States was back, and from the moment we arrived, it felt significant.
Philly has always been one of those races that means more than the result. The history, the crowds, the course, the people who have been part of American cycling for decades it all came flooding back. Seeing so many old friends, former colleagues, team managers and familiar faces from across the sport made the weekend unexpectedly emotional for me. There was a real sense of reconnecting with something that had been missing.
More than anything, it felt like American racing was making women’s racing important again.
The crowds were enormous, the atmosphere was electric, and the energy around the women’s race was exactly what our sport needs. There was a sense that this mattered not simply as another event on the calendar, but as a major race worthy of attention, investment and celebration. For Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28, that feeling was made even more special by what happened on the road.
Ella Sabo was given the responsibility of race leader, and our small but determined squad of four committed completely to putting her in position. Olivia Cummins, Sofía Arreola and Kenna Pfeiffer shepherded Ella over the climbs and through the demanding early laps, helping her conserve when she needed to, spend her energy wisely and arrive at the finale with something left to race with. Under the direction of Shelley Olds and Giana Chilcott, the team executed the plan beautifully.
On the final lap, Ella showed patience and confidence. She chose her moment, opened up her sprint and raced to a fantastic third place in legendary Philly. That result continued a tradition that means a great deal to us: every time our team has raced the Philadelphia Cycling Classic, we have finished on the podium.
A heartfelt thank you to Robin Morton for spearheading the return of this iconic event, and to the entire organization, volunteers and race sponsors who worked so hard to bring the Philadelphia Cycling Classic back to life. And a special thank you to Mari Holden for her superb commentary throughout the race. Her depth of experience and understanding of the sport brought the action to life and added another layer of insight and history to an already special day.A huge thank you to directors Shelley Olds and Giana Chilcott, and to Racer Gibson and Mike San Jose, for the work, professionalism and teamwork that went into the weekend.
But this weekend was about more than a podium. It was about seeing Philadelphia alive with cycling again. It was about old friendships, shared history and people who have spent years building this sport finding themselves back together on the same streets. It was about standing in a managers’ meeting and realizing how many familiar faces were in the room and how much history we all shared. And perhaps most importantly, it felt like a reminder of what women’s racing in America can be when people decide it matters. Philly is back. And it was incredibly special to be part of it. - Nicola
