BALTIMORE, Md. – The Maryland Cycling Classic supported by UnitedHealthcare, America’s top-ranked one-day professional road cycling event, today announced its official UCI calendar date, start and finish locations and the first team to join the line-up. Race day will take place on Sunday September 4, 2022 after the event had to be postponed the past two years due to COVID-19.
“We are excited to host the inaugural edition of the Maryland Cycling Classic and bring a free, public world-class event to the state,” said Terry Hasseltine, president of the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland. “We have been fortunate to keep our core partners together including the state of Maryland, City of Baltimore, Baltimore County, and our presenting sponsor UnitedHealthcare. We look forward to next year’s race with great anticipation.”
The race will start in Sparks, Md., at the headquarter of Kelly Benefits Strategies, and finish on Pratt Street in Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor.
“We’ve been able to work through a lot of details to define both start and finish areas that will deliver a competitive, world-class course,” said the event’s Chair, John Kelly, who is also the chief innovative and strategy officer for Kelly Benefits Strategies. “The course will feature the scenic beauty and hilly terrain of Baltimore County and an urban circuit within Baltimore that will showcase several local communities and neighborhoods.”
“Baltimore continues to be a premier destination for sporting events. The Maryland Cycling Classic is our nation’s top one-day cycling event with professional athletes from more than 25 countries. The Classic will showcase our great city to a global audience,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We welcome everyone, visitors and residents, to enjoy this free public event and experience Baltimore’s exceptional hospitality and world-class amenities."
“The Maryland Cycling Classic will not only showcase Baltimore County’s scenic communities and vibrant offerings but will continue to show that we are primed to be a premier destination for signature sporting events,” Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. “Baltimore County is thrilled to be a host of this world-class weekend of cycling.”
The first team commitment for the 2022 race also was announced. The Rally Cycling Team, one of America’s top teams which includes two-time Tour of Spain stage winner and former U.S. National Champion, Ben King, will participate.
“A top-level race close to home is a dream for any cyclist,” said King. “After years without a single race of this caliber in the USA, I couldn’t be more excited that the Maryland Cycling Classic will bring some of the best competition to the East Coast. It’s thrilling from both a fan and rider perspective.”
“USA Cycling is excited to see the Maryland Cycling Classic step up to become America’s top-ranked professional road race in 2022,” said USA Cycling President & CEO Rob DeMartini. “The race will showcase the State of Maryland and City of Baltimore while offering a fantastic competition venue for international participants.” The event is sanctioned by UCI, the international federation for the sport and USA Cycling, the national governing body for the sport in the U.S.
UnitedHealthcare has continued its commitment as the event’s presenting sponsor.
“UnitedHealthcare looks forward to advancing this partnership with the Maryland Cycling Classic to bring elite cycling to Baltimore," said Joe Ochipinti, CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s Mid-Atlantic region. “We remain committed to presenting a world-class event that promotes a healthy lifestyle for those across Maryland and the region."
The charity ride Bridges of Hope that benefits UnitedHealthcare’s Children’s Foundation was also announced by Kelly. The event will take place Saturday morning, September 3 in Sparks. Fundraisers will be able to ride part of the course.
In addition to UHC, the following initial roster of sponsors were announced: State of Maryland, Visit Baltimore, Kelly Benefits Strategies, Thorne Health Tech, and Athlos Sportswear.
The Maryland Cycling Classic will include a series of events to be announced in the new year, including community outreach and cycling education programs in Baltimore and Baltimore County.
Race day activities will include a free entertainment festival showcasing the region as well as local and national vendors in the cycling industry, plus additional participation events. Further details to be announced in Spring 2022.
For sponsorship/partner information: info@marylandclassic.us or steve@komsports.com.
Additional info: www.marylandcyclingclassic.us. To obtain event logos, click here.
MEDIA CONTACT HOST COMMITTEE CONTACT
Katrina Younce, KOM Sports Graham Whaples, Sports & Entertainment Corp of Maryland
310.995.3619 443.977.8951
