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Philadelphia Cycling Classic Women 2026 preview: the Manayunk Wall returns to the conversation

Niewiadoma, Longo Borghini, Chabbey, Balsamo and Faulkner headline a Philadelphia women's race where the Manayunk Wall should reward repeat attackers.

Favorites

Kasia Niewiadoma

Kasia Niewiadoma and Elisa Longo Borghini fit the climb-heavy identity, while Elise Chabbey, Balsamo and Kristen Faulkner create tactical variety.

Elisa Longo Borghini

Elisa Longo Borghini has the finish or punch to win if the final group stays small enough.

Elise Chabbey

Elise Chabbey fits the race because the decisive move should require durability before speed.

Elisa Balsamo

Elisa Balsamo becomes dangerous if the favorites hesitate before the last selection.

Kristen Faulkner

Kristen Faulkner can win from a reduced group if the race is harder than the sprint teams want.

Philadelphia Cycling Classic Women 2026

Philadelphia’s appeal is direct: a city circuit, a famous climb and a race that can feel bigger than its calendar slot. The women’s field should make the Manayunk Wall decisive through accumulation.

Why this race matters

For North American visibility, this is one of the most important road-racing stages on the calendar.

Route and pressure points

Repeated circuits mean the winning move can be shaped long before the final ascent, especially if the strongest climbers keep testing the sprint options.

Favorites for the win

Kasia Niewiadoma and Elisa Longo Borghini fit the climb-heavy identity, while Elise Chabbey, Balsamo and Kristen Faulkner create tactical variety. The current favorites card is led by Kasia Niewiadoma, Elisa Longo Borghini, Elise Chabbey, Elisa Balsamo and Kristen Faulkner.

What could change the race

If the climbers cannot distance Elisa Balsamo, the race becomes a very different problem in the final kilometer.

Recent context

Philadelphia has historically rewarded riders who can handle repeated climbs and city-circuit pressure.