The inaugural edition of the Maryland Cycling Classic Women’s Race has announced its first eight participating teams, headlined by WorldTour squad Canyon SRAM zondacrypto and ProTeam EF Education-Oatly. The race, scheduled for 6th September 2025, marks a historic expansion for what has previously been a men’s-only event, which is set to become the highest-ranked women’s race in the United States in 2025,
Returning to American roads for the first time since 2019, Canyon SRAM sees the Maryland Classic as an opportunity to connect with its North American supporters. “With many of our team partners having either headquarters or a strong presence in the U.S., it’s exciting for us to finally bring our team back,” said Ronny Lauke, CEO and team manager. “We look forward to showcasing our racing style and connecting with the fans.”
The German team boasts reigning Olympic time trial bronze medallist Chloé Dygert in its ranks. EF Education-Oatly, another headline name in the line-up, brings double Olympic champion Kristen Faulkner, winner of the road race and mixed relay gold in Paris 2024.
Joining the two international powerhouses are a mix of continental and elite American teams, including Cynisca, Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY24, The Cyclery Racing Team (Canada), Team USA (a composite of top young American riders), CCB, and L39ion of Los Angeles.
The organisers expect a full field of 15 teams of six riders, with the remaining seven teams to be confirmed in the coming weeks. The women’s peloton will race on the same day and route as the men’s race, with full course details set to be unveiled in June.
Terry Hasseltine, President and CEO of the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, said: “The women’s race has been several years in the making and it’s wonderful to see it finally materialising with elite-level teams.”
John Kelly, the event’s chairman, added: “We have worked from the beginning to make this a reality. Many American women are being featured in races around the world, and it will be great to see these world-class athletes and their teams compete in the United States.”
