News Summary
The Maryland Cycling Classic is set to return to Baltimore on September 6, 2025, featuring professional cyclists from 30 nations. This year, the race will take place entirely within city limits, causing concerns for local businesses due to significant traffic disruptions. Roads will be closed from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with parking restrictions starting the evening prior. While some businesses have announced closures, event organizers hope increased foot traffic from spectators will boost local commerce. Community concerns also arise regarding communication from local authorities on the impact of the race.
Baltimore – The Maryland Cycling Classic is set to return to Baltimore on Saturday, September 6, 2025, bringing with it professional cyclists from 30 nations. Awaited by many, this year’s event will see the race course entirely contained within city limits, unlike previous years where it extended into Baltimore County. However, the event is raising concerns among local business owners regarding significant traffic disruptions that may adversely affect commerce throughout the city.
The race will feature a demanding 17.9-mile circuit course that is expected to cause considerable traffic and parking disruptions. Roads along the race route will be closed from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on race day, complicating access for residents and businesses alike. Additionally, parking restrictions will commence on Friday, September 5, at 8 p.m. and will not be lifted until Saturday, September 6, at 8 p.m.
Local business owners have expressed frustration over the potential negative impact on their operations. Some have already announced store closures or cancellations of events planned for that day. For instance, businesses such as Wishbone Reserve and Shredded Vintage on Falls Road in Hampden have reported they will close due to anticipated financial strain. BMore Flea Market has also canceled its Saturday event, citing the inability to operate during the race. The Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory downtown campus will be closed as well due to extensive road closures.
Despite the concerns, event organizers are hopeful that the Maryland Cycling Classic will ultimately enhance local commerce. The executive director of the event believes that the increased foot traffic from spectators could benefit businesses along the race route. However, some local merchants, including Atomic Books, while promoting the race, have acknowledged the challenges they face during such significant disruptions.
The race includes key aspects such as a women’s race scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m., covering 71.6 miles in four laps, and a men’s race that starts at 12:30 p.m., projected to finish between 4:21 p.m. and 4:46 p.m. while covering 107.4 miles in six laps. Notable neighborhoods that cyclists will travel through include Fells Point, Canton, Patterson Park, Mount Vernon, Hampden, and Roland Park, all featuring historical landmarks.
Community concerns are also present regarding the lack of communication from local authorities about event plans and disruptions. Additionally, Baltimore City is preparing for heightened congestion due to other simultaneous gatherings, including Orioles games and a concert at CFG Arena. The local government has imposed restrictions on commercial vehicles from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. on race day to ease traffic flow.
This year’s cycling classic follows a rocky path, having faced scheduling issues in the past. The event was postponed previously due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. In acknowledging the challenges presented by the race, Baltimore City officials and Maryland Cycling Classic organizers have noted the necessity for better promotion and consultation with the community for future events. As the race day approaches, businesses and residents alike are left wondering how the cycling classic will impact their daily lives and the local economy.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox Baltimore
- Wikipedia: Maryland Cycling Classic
- CBS News
- Google Search: Maryland Cycling Classic
- Baltimore Sun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cycling
- Outside Online
- Google News: Maryland Cycling Classic
- Baltimore Fishbowl
- Google Scholar: Cycling Events
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
