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Manayunk Native One Of Many Riders In This Year's Bike Race

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The world's fittest - and fastest - cyclists are rolling into town again this weekend.

The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic returns this Sunday.

It dates back to 1985 and is considered one of America's most prestigious international cycling events.

The 12-mile circuit is packed with terrific locations to catch the action, like the Manayunk Wall - the steeply pitched neighborhood streets - that top out at the start/finish line on Lyceum Avenue, in Roxborough.:

"Well, I grew up in Manayunk, just a block off the top of the Manayunk Wall," says Robin Carpenter.

Just a few weeks shy of his 24th birthday, Carpenter rides for the Holowesko-Citadel Racing Team.

"It's a super cool course," he tells KYW Newsradio. "It's super fast."

The course includes the tactical Lemon Hill turnaround, much of scenic Kelly Drive along the river, and bustling Main Street in Manayunk.

The men's pro race, at nine laps, will cover nearly 111-miles and starts at 8 a.m. Sunday.

Since 1985, nearly every race has been rain free. Not this year:

"Weather could make it interesting this year," Carpenter says. "It could make it more dicey, and more difficult for the groups to stay together."

Carpenter's entire team will be staying at his parent's house over the weekend.

The women's race this year, part of the newly formed Women's World Tour, is six laps, covering about 74-miles, and will start at 12:30 Sunday afternoon.

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