WorldTour Powerhouses Return to 2025 Maryland Cycling Classic as Event Expands with Women’s Race

WorldTour Powerhouses Return to 2025 Maryland Cycling Classic as Event Expands with Women’s Race

Baltimore, Maryland – September 2025 — The momentum behind U.S. cycling continues to build as the Maryland Cycling Classic returns for its third official edition on September 9, 2025, bringing with it an elite cast of WorldTour teams, a deeper international field, and—for the first time ever—a UCI 1.1-classified women’s race held on the same day.

 

WorldTour Heavyweights Headline Early Team Line-Up for Men’s Race

The men’s field already boasts impressive credentials with three WorldTour squads confirmed among the seven teams announced so far for the 2025 edition. These include:

  • Lidl-Trek
  • EF Education–EasyPost
  • Jayco–AlUla

Joining the big-league entries are:

  • Team Medellín–EPM (Colombia)
  • Hustle Pro Cycling (Canada)
  • Project Echelon Racing (United States)
  • Team USA Composite Squad

A total of 16 men’s teams are expected to take the start, making it one of the most competitive one-day races on the U.S. calendar.

Lidl–Trek Sees Maryland as a Key Opportunity on U.S. Soil

As one of the most recognizable WorldTour squads, Lidl–Trek is eager to make its presence felt on American roads once again. With a limited number of U.S.-based races on the WorldTour calendar, the Maryland Classic stands as a rare opportunity for international teams to compete on North American turf.

“As an American team, the Maryland Cycling Classic is an important race for us. In fact, it’s the only chance we have to race in the United States [as a team],” said Steven de Jongh, head sports director for Lidl-Trek. “Every edition provides exciting racing, and we have great memories of Mattias Skjelmose winning in 2023.”

Recapping the Action-Packed History of the Maryland Cycling Classic

Despite being a relatively new addition to the international calendar, the Maryland Cycling Classic has already produced some thrilling finishes and standout performances. In 2023, Mattias Skjelmose outdueled a star-studded chase group to take the win, with Neilson Powless (EF Education–EasyPost) finishing second.

That year’s podium also included Hugo Houle (Israel–Premier Tech) and Lucas Hamilton (Jayco–AlUla), with all four riders part of an intense final selection.

The race’s inaugural winner in 2022 was Sep Vanmarcke (Israel–Premier Tech), who edged out Nickolas Zukowsky and Neilson Powless in a dramatic three-man sprint.

Resilient Comeback After Cancellations

The Maryland Cycling Classic’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Originally scheduled to debut in 2020, the event was cancelled for two consecutive years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2024 edition was also called off, this time in response to the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which prompted a city-wide emergency and logistical challenges for race organizers.

Despite these hurdles, the race has returned stronger and more ambitious than ever for 2025.

Big News for Women’s Cycling: UCI Women’s Race Added to Schedule

In a major development for the event and for women’s cycling in the U.S., organizers confirmed earlier this year that a UCI 1.1-level women’s race will be held for the first time in 2025, taking place on the same day as the men’s race.

While the full roster of participating women’s teams has yet to be announced, the anticipation is high. Organizers hinted at an international field, as well as top-level domestic teams being part of the inaugural edition.

The addition of a women’s race helps elevate the Maryland Cycling Classic from a standalone event to a festival of cycling, reflecting growing calls for equality and opportunity in the sport.

Ali Tetrick and Ellen Noble to Mentor Women Riders at SGT GRVL

In another exciting initiative linked to the 2025 event week, decorated U.S. riders Ali Tetrick and Ellen Noble are set to serve as mentors for women at the SGT GRVL event, part of the broader slate of festivities planned in the lead-up to race day.

Their involvement underscores the commitment of race organizers to develop grassroots talent, promote inclusion, and inspire the next generation of female cyclists.

A Full Week of Community Events to Celebrate Cycling in Baltimore

As the racing action heats up on September 9, Baltimore will be buzzing with energy during the Maryland Cycling Classic Festival Week, running from September 2 through September 7.

Events will include:

  • Community rides
  • School and youth cycling initiatives
  • SGT GRVL gravel rides
  • Meet-and-greet opportunities with pro riders
  • VIP experiences and hospitality zones

These programs aim to make cycling more accessible and visible to the local community, while celebrating the city’s growing role as a hub for elite road racing in North America.

Looking Ahead: All Eyes on Baltimore for September’s Big Showdown

With top-tier WorldTour talent already confirmed, a new women’s event in the spotlight, and an engaging week of community programming, the 2025 Maryland Cycling Classic is shaping up to be the most ambitious and exciting edition yet.

Organizers are expected to announce the full men’s and women’s rosters in the coming weeks. If early buzz is any indication, this could become the premier one-day race in the United States.



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