The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic to preserve the health and well-being of thousands of spectators who gather for one of Chester County’s most iconic events.

Originally slated for Sept. 12, the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic will now enter the planning phase for the 2021 event, which promises to be bigger and more engaging than ever before.

“The chamber’s Board of Directors and staff have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic,” said Dave Fairman, Interim President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, host of the annual event. “The safety of our community is paramount, and we are ready to concentrate on next year’s Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic.”

The Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic, an annual stop on the USA CRITS Series schedule, includes professional and amateur men’s and women’s races. The event also features family-focused activities like the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race, Chester County Hospital Community Festival, and the Tolsdorf Trike Challenge. The area’s top businesses rally to provide sponsorships to ensure the Benchmark Twilight is free to the public and continues to draw visitors to West Chester’s thriving downtown.

“As the only credit union to exclusively serve Chester County, we are committed to putting our full support behind the planning phases happening now, as well as serving as the title sponsor for the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic in 2021,” said Benchmark Federal Credit Union’s President and CEO Daniel J. Machon Jr. “We want to ensure that this event continues to thrive as our neighboring businesses recover from COVID-19 setbacks and work together to restore the economic well-being of our community.”

“While this year we will miss one of the most highly anticipated events in the West Chester community, we understand the importance of postponing the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic until 2021,” said Kevin Finn, Founder and Chairman of the Board for Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, sponsor of the Pro Men’s Criterium. “We look forward to making this special event even bigger and better!”

“The Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic is a cornerstone event of USA CRITS,” said Gene Dixon, USA CRITS Series Director. “We love West Chester and are looking forward to getting back to racing in the community next year.”

“We’ve already begun collaborating with Benchmark Federal Credit Union, as well as our other generous sponsors and event partners, to deliver a world-class event in 2021,” said Fairman. “We’ll see you next summer!”

Click here for more information from the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

You Could Also Like

Wall Street Journal: West Chester Restaurant Offers Some of the Best Pasta in the Nation

West Chester Area School District Breaks Ground for $23.6 Million Elementary School

As He Builds His New Home in West Chester, Former Eagles Tight End Finds New Career