Fondo · Friday Night · Pro Racing ·

Lehigh Valley Plays Host to the Biggest Events in US Cycling May 30 and 31st

May 30th Valley Preferred Cycling Center to Kick Off 49th Season with American Classic and First Responders Night; Hincapie Gran Fondo Follows

Trexlertown, PA - May 24, 2025 — The Valley Preferred Cycling Center is proud to launch its 49th season of world-class racing with the American Classic on Friday, May 30, 2025, honoring those who serve through its annual First Responders Night. The following day, Saturday, May 31, cycling legend George Hincapie headlines the Gran Fondo Hincapie – Lehigh Valley, bringing a festival-style ride, thousands of cyclists, and community celebration to the region.

First Responders Night pays tribute to firefighters, EMS personnel, police officers, hospital staff, and military service members—past and present—who protect and serve with courage every day. All qualifying personnel are invited to attend as guests of honor, with free general admission tickets available now at thevelodrome.com/USA.

“We’re incredibly excited to launch the 2025 season by honoring the First Responders, military, and medical workers who serve our communities with courage and commitment,” said Jake Burns, Marketing Consultant for the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. “First Responders Night is a celebration of their dedication—and a way for us to say thank you through a great night of racing, family fun, and community spirit.”

The American Classic features a stacked field of elite national and international athletes, including 2024 Women and Men Valley Preferred Cycling Center Rider of the Year winners Kim Zubris and Lance Abshire. Riders looking to challenge on Opening Night include: 

  • Men: Andy Dudle, Grayson Hauck, Dylan Day, Noah Mandow, Patton Sims, Marcus Kennedy, Stephen Chiselko, Dominic Howard, Liam Trepte, Broden Kelly, Elijah Tielmann, Nathan Farmer, Nick Baker, Joe Christiansen, Nick Roberts, Finn Koller, Dakota Stein, Jackson Sanders, Troy Sanders

  • Women: Mandy Marquardt, Julianna Rutecki, Mia Deye, Bryony Botha, Olivia Ray, Emily Schelberg, Annika Flannigan, Divya Verma

Fans can expect a high-energy evening filled with racing excitement, classic cars, local food trucks, beverage vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue to show support for First Responders and celebrate the spirit of service and sacrifice.

 

George Hincapie Brings Gran Fondo to Lehigh Valley – May 31

On Saturday, May 31, the weekend continues with the Gran Fondo Hincapie – Lehigh Valley, a premier cycling experience inspired by Europe’s toughest spring classics. Riders will tackle rolling climbs, smooth dirt sections, and scenic backroads before finishing in true monument style—with a velodrome-inspired finale and post-ride Hincapie Family Festival featuring free food, drinks, and festivities.

Leading the ride is former Tour de France star George Hincapie, a professional cyclist who competed from 1994 to 2012.

Both events mark the beginning of a milestone year at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, as the venue builds momentum toward its 50th anniversary in 2026. A full summer schedule of racing, community events, and internationally sanctioned UCI competitions will follow.

For Tickets and More Information:

Back to News