BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Cycling Classic will make history on Saturday, September 6, 2025 by debuting a new 17.9-mile circuit course for both men’s and women’s professional races, held entirely within the city limits of Baltimore.
The event marks the first time America’s top professional cycling race will feature men’s and women’s competitions on the same day.
“We’re excited to welcome the Maryland Cycling Classic back to our city this September,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. “This year’s event is going to be better than ever, not only because it features a new women’s race, but because the entire course is officially within Baltimore City limits.”
The technical circuit, with 28 turns, 550 yards of cobblestones, and two significant climbs, is designed to test the world-class field of riders. The course starts at Central Plaza in the Harbor Point District and finishes on East Pratt Street along the Inner Harbor, a location that has drawn crowds of around 20,000 in previous years.
Race director Jim Birrell noted that the new course was developed to highlight the city’s unique character. “Baltimore is a city of great neighborhoods. We wanted to highlight Baltimore’s famous and beautiful waterfront while telling the story of the city’s rich history,” Birrell said. “It’s blending the old and new of one of America’s most diverse cities.”
The women’s race, consisting of four laps for a total of 71.6 miles, is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. The men’s race will follow at 12:30 p.m., with six laps covering 107.4 miles.
Terry Hasseltine, president of the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, which owns the event, said the new course will foster a “unique level of engagement for new and existing fans.”
The race will feature several fan zones along the route at locations like Harbor Point, Fells Point’s cobblestones, Patterson Park, Mount Vernon, and the finish line. These zones will offer free giveaways and live race coverage on big-screen TVs.
The course will navigate through historic neighborhoods past the Washington Monument, and through Hampden. A challenging 1,000-yard climb at St. Mary’s Seminary will serve as the “King/Queen of the Mountain” stage, a key point where top riders may make a decisive move.
The event will be part of a race week schedule that includes an opening celebration with a public concert and a Community Bike Jam in Patterson Park.
2025 Maryland Cycling Classic Race Week Schedule
All times listed are EDT
Saturday, September 6 | Maryland Cycling Classic (Free & Open To The Public)
Women’s Race Start | 8:30 a.m. | Harbor Point, Central Plaza
Women’s Race Finish | est. 11:20 – 11:40 a.m. | E. Pratt & Market Place
Awards Ceremony: 12:45 pm, Harbor Point, Central Plaza
Men’s Race Start | 12:30 pm | Harbor Point Central Plaza
Men’s Race Finish | est. 4:20 – 4:40 p.m. | East Pratt Street
Awards Ceremony: Immediately after men’s race, Finish Line, E. Pratt Street & Market Place
Exhibitor’s at both Start & Finish Lines, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, September 6 | Community Bike Jam Presented By Kaiser Permanente (Free & Open To The Public)
Time: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Patterson Park
Friday, September 5 | Opening Celebration, Official Team Introductions, Public Concert (Free & Open To The Public)
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Harbor Point, Central Plaza
Thursday, September 4 | Welcome Reception/Forum (By Invite Only)
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Site TBD
Additional information is available below and online here.
