Manayunk's Loss is Phoenixville's Gain? Borough Bike Race Going Forward

While, to the chagrin of area cycling enthusiasts, the 2013 Manayunk Bike Race was cancelled due to a shortage of funds, borough councilwoman and event booster Jennifer Mayo said yesterday that Phoenixville’s own race will go forward as planned.

“The organizers have assured us that our race is still happening,” said Mayo, who added that the Phoenixville leg of the Chesco Grand Prix may actually benefit from the hiatus of the Manayunk race.

“As a matter of fact, it might even boost our crowd,” the councilwoman said, reasoning that race enthusiasts, looking for a place to turn to get their fix, might be willing to travel 20 miles west.

Another thing that might bolster the race is this: while last year’s event wasn’t officially approved by the borough until 16 days before the opening gun, the second annual Phoenixville Criterium will have the benefit of nearly a full year of planning and advertising.

Organized by the American Cycling Group (the same organization that puts on the Manayunk Bike Race), the 2013 Phoenixville Criterium will be held on Thursday, July 11 at 5 p.m.

“We’re all standing behind it and want to see it succeed,” added Mayo.

Previous coverage of the Phoenixville Criterium:

• Council Decides to Bring Back the Bike Race
• Phoenixville Criterium Seems Likely to Return
• A Day Of Bike Racing in Phoenixville
• It's Official: Phoenixville's Getting a Bike Race
• ‘Phoenixville Criterium’ Gets Tenative Approval from Council