Well this is not the news North American cyclists want to read.
The Maryland Cycling Classic will not be held in 2026. Organizers said a restructuring behind the scenes left too little time to stage the event, according to the Baltimore Sun.
The one-day WorldTour race, first held in 2022, was organized by the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland.
A race against time
Organizers told the Baltimore Sun that changes to the event’s organizational structure left insufficient time to prepare the race
“For an event of this magnitude, it usually takes about 12 months to put together,” lead organizer Steve Brunner told the Baltimore Sun. “It was a difficult decision, but the ability to cancel it and then look toward the future.”
The race has already faced several setbacks since its inception. Its planned 2020 debut was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, while the 2024 edition was canceled following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which severely disrupted transportation across the Baltimore region.
The history of the Maryland Cycling Classic
The race began as a one-day race, but was poised to be a three-day stage race this year. In 2025, Sandy Dujardin (TotalEnergies) won over Norwegian star Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility). Top Canuck in the men’s race was Guillaume Boivin who was riding for Israel-Premier Tech (now NSN Cycling.)
Alison Jackson, who was riding for EF Education, just missed the win, finishing second in a tight sprint just behind Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka (CANYON//SRAM). The 2025 edition was the first time a women’s race was held.
In 2023, Hugo Houle was third, and in its first year Nickolas Zukowsky, who now rides for Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, just missed the win.
Optimism for 2027
Organizers believe last year’s event showed the race has a future. According to race officials, the event drew around 85,000 spectators, and was broadcast in 81 countries.
“They love coming to Maryland,” he said. “They talked about everything from going out and having crab after to just the experience of Fells Point and racing on the cobblestones.”
Organizers said they are now working with government officials, sponsors and international cycling stakeholders in hopes of reviving the race in 2027.
“We’re moving in a positive way for 2027,” Brunner said. “There’s still some work to do, but we’re early enough in the process that we’re on track.”