Former US cyclist out to revive world renowned bike race

Rogers has begun a grassroots mission to revive the iconic Philadelphia International Cycling Classic. Photo: Jessica Griffin/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS

Back when Carlos Rogers was a kid growing up in Philly, the United States, the world renowned bike race that came to be known as Philadelphia International Cycling Classic was the stuff of dreams. And the Manayunk Wall – a gruelling uphill climb that was an iconic feature of the course – was right in his own neighbourhood.

Flash forward to 1994 when Rogers was 25. He got the professional credentials to be in the race, and at one point, cycling into Manayunk, Lance Armstrong was pedalling right alongside him.