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The final three cyclists for the inaugural women’s race celebrate finishing the four-lap, 71.6-mile race. From left: Alison Jackson of Canada takes second, Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka of Poland takes first, and Emma Langley of the USA comes in third. (AFRO Photos/Kendra Bryant) -
The start line for the Maryland Cycling Classic’s inaugural women’s and men’s race at Harbor Point’s Central Plaza. (AFRO Photos/Kendra Bryant) -
For the first time in three years, the Maryland Cycling Classic’s route will be solely in Baltimore City, passing through areas such as Falls Road, Boston Street and Light Street. (AFRO Photos/Kendra Bryant) -
Benin’s women cycling team makes history as the first African female team to compete in a large American UCI race. The team includes cyclists from left: captain Estelle Agossounon, Hermionne Ahouissou, Raimatou Kpovihouede and Charlotte Metoevi. (AFRO Photos/Kendra Bryant) -
Chicago native and cyclist Kevin Rhodes is a member of the Velo City Riders Cycling Club (VCRCC) based in Anne Arundel County. The club is known for its 105-mile ride from Mt. Vernon to the Washington Monument in D.C. (AFRO Photos/Kendra Bryant) -
The 107.4-mile men’s cycling race began on Sept. 6 at 12:30 p.m. at Harbor East. Sandy Dujardin of France came in first place. (AFRO Photos/Kendra Bryant) -
Local fitness companies, Charm City Run and Coppermine accompany merchandise vendors at the Maryland Cycling Classic. (AFRO Photos/Kendra Bryant) -
Attendee Michael Law is excited for the future of Black people and cycling. “I love how the sport is growing among our people,” he says. (AFRO Photos/Kendra Bryant) -
People from all over the country attended the Maryland Cycling Classic on Sept. 6. The event included an award ceremony and the introduction of teams. (AFRO Photos/Kendra Bryant) -
Unfamiliar with the event, attendee Shayla Simmons is a first-time participant. With better promotion of the event, she believes more African Americans will feel engaged to attend. (AFRO Photos/Kendra Bryant) -
Baltimore native Tiffany Bryant learned a lot from the event, as someone who is not very familiar with the sport. She hopes to see more diversity in cycling in the future. (AFRO Photos/Kendra Bryant)
By Kendra Bryant
Special to the AFRO
### The Maryland Cycling Classic: A Celebration of Speed and Community
On September 6, the Maryland Cycling Classic made its grand return to Baltimore, exciting both participants and spectators alike. The event saw cyclists racing from Harbor Point to the charming Inner Harbor, marking the first full-scale race in three years.
#### Unprecedented Wins
Cycling history was made as Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka from Poland captured the inaugural women’s race, completing four laps over a distance of 71.6 miles. Meanwhile, Sandy Dujardin of France clinched victory in the men’s race, successfully traversing six laps covering 107.4 miles.
#### A Focus on Health and Wellness
Local fitness vendors like Charm City Run and Coppermine had a significant presence at the event, promoting health and wellness. Attendees like Michael Law expressed their enthusiasm for the growing trend of cycling within the African American community. “I think it’s a great event to promote being active, especially for us African Americans,” he noted.
#### A Call for Awareness
Obesity is a significant concern within the African American community; the American Psychological Association reports that nearly 48% of Black adults are clinically obese. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of events like the Maryland Cycling Classic in encouraging healthier lifestyles.
Kevin Rhodes, a Chicago native and member of the Velo City Riders Cycling Club, shared his own transformative journey. Having dropped from 189 lbs to 125 lbs through cycling, he rides a staggering 15 to 50 miles daily across Baltimore’s diverse streets.
“I had the idea of starting an initiative for young Black men to learn how to ride, compete, or even fix bikes,” Rhodes shared, underscoring his commitment to community engagement.
#### Representation Still Lacking
However, attendees voiced concerns about the lack of representation in the sport. Tiffany Bryant reflected on her experience, stating, “Representation-wise, it’s been very slim here.” Many felt that greater marketing efforts could attract more African Americans to participate in such events.
Shayla Simmons, a first-time participant, echoed this sentiment. “With better promotion of the event, I believe more African Americans will feel engaged to attend,” she emphasized.
Cycling remains one of the Whiter sports globally, with less than 1% of riders being Black during the 2021 International Cycling Union (UCI) World Tour. This stark reality underscores the need for increasing diversity in the sport.
#### Historic Participation from Benin
In a historic highlight, the Benin women’s national cycling team made their mark as the first African female team to compete in a large U.S. UCI race. Although they didn’t finish, their participation was celebrated and marked a significant moment in the sport.
#### A Community Gathering
The event attracted attendees from across the country, blending the joyful competition of cycling with a festival-like atmosphere. From award ceremonies to team introductions, the Maryland Cycling Classic proved to be a stellar platform for community engagement and cultural celebration.
The future of cycling in the African American community shines bright, as highlighted by the excitement at the Maryland Cycling Classic. With increased visibility and outreach, events like this can pave the way for a more inclusive cycling movement, inspiring the next generation of cyclists.