BALTIMORE, Maryland – The Maryland Cycling Classic, supported by UnitedHealthcare, America’s top-ranked professional road cycling race and highest-ranked UCI event, announced the first nine teams to compete at the inaugural event, scheduled for September 4, 2022.
WorldTour teams Trek-Segafredo and Australia’s Team BikeExchange-Jayco will be joined by America’s top ProTour series team Human Powered Health and U.S. Pro Continental Teams L39ION and Hagens Berman Axeon, along with international squads Team Medellin-EPM (COL), Yoeleo Test Team p/b 4MIND (CAN), Team Corratec (ITA) and EvoPro Racing (IRE) when the event kicks off this Labor Day weekend.
“The goal for the event this first year is to attract an international field with good sprinters and one-day classic riders, affording opportunities for teams in the Americas to compete with big teams from Europe,” said Maryland Cycling Classic Chairman John Kelly. “As the season progresses, we will continue to build on the initial team roster at all levels, adding to our illustrious international field for the inaugural event of 17 teams.”
The Maryland Cycling Classic is part of the prestigious UCI Pro Tour and is already one of the top-ranked events in North and South America. Trek-Segafredo has secured five wins so far this year, including four by superstar Mads Pedersen. Team BikeExchange has tallied six victories this season, including two stage wins by Aussie rising star Kaden Groves and one each by Michael Matthews, Simon Yates and Dylan Groenewegen.
“We’ve had to wait a long time to take part in the Maryland Classic, but finally this year we’ll have the chance to race in the United States again. As the leading men’s road race in the USA, it’s really important for us to be on the start line and we’re looking forward to putting on a show for the local fans,” said Luca Guercilena, General Manager of Trek-Segafredo.
Human Powered Health has scored several high finishes and podiums early in the European season, including a victory through the legs of Pier-Andre Cote.
“Our goal is to bring the strongest team possible,” said Human Powered Health Managing Director Charles Aaron. “This race is one of our biggest goals of the season. The whole team is excited to be racing back at an elite level in the United States. Maryland and Baltimore will make a great backdrop for a world-class race.”
“The Maryland Cycling Classic will be an incredibly exciting stop in L39ION’s 2022 tour calendar. Our riders are thrilled to welcome teams from around the world to the streets of Baltimore, and we look forward to battling it out with them for the win,” said Justin Williams, founder and general manager of L39ION of Los Angeles. “As a black-owned team competing in a city of predominantly black residents, the weekend serves as an even more significant moment for us and I look forward to activating the team within the community.”
The Sport and Entertainment Corp. of Maryland, led by Terry Hasseltine, are the owners and producers of the event and have partnered with experienced, US-based cycling promoters Medalist Sports and KOM Sports to publicize and manage the event. Hasseltine said the weekend schedule of events will be announced at a press conference, April 26, at 11 a.m. ET on the second floor at Columbus Center, 701 E. Pratt St., in the Inner Harbor area of Baltimore.
For sponsorship/partner information: info@marylandclassic.us or info@komsports.com.
Additional information: www.marylandcyclingclassic.us. To obtain team artwork, event logos, click here. To be added to future announcement lists, contact info@komsports.com
Media Contact: Katrina Younce, KOM Sports 1.310.995.3619 | katrina@komsports.com
Host Committee Contact: Terry Hasseltine, President, Sport and Entertainment Corp. of Maryland 1.410.207.8814 | terry@sportcorpmaryland.us
About Maryland Cycling Classic supported by UnitedHealthcare
The inaugural Maryland Cycling Classic supported by UnitedHealthcare, America’s top one-day international pro cycling race sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and USA Cycling, is taking place September 4, 2022 in Baltimore, Md. The race will feature the best cyclists worldwide including Tour de France participants, National Champions, World Champions and Olympians from over 20 countries. The Maryland Cycling Classic supported by UnitedHealthcare is part of a three-day weekend community celebration of health and wellness featuring participatory events, an interactive festival, local foods and drinks, along with other fun family-friendly activities. The race is endorsed by Maryland and Baltimore Civic Leaders, while owned and operated by Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland. The event is managed and marketed by industry leaders Medalist Sports and KOM Sports Marketing. Learn more about the Maryland Cycling Classic supported by UnitedHealthcare at www.marylandcyclingclassic.us.
