After a 10-year hiatus, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns this weekend, with the main events on Sunday — and of course, the terror of “The Wall” in Manayunk.

Dating back to 1985, the race, modeled after the Tour de France, is considered one of America’s most prestigious international cycling events, drawing thousands of spectators from around the world and here at home. It’s expected to attract some 250 elite athletes from 50 countries.

Both the men’s and women’s races will take riders on a 14.4-mile loop from Benjamin Franklin Parkway into Northwest Philadelphia. For general information, visit  philadelphiacyclingclassic.com. You can follow weather and other event-related information by texting “READYPHILA” to 888-777.

Schedule of events

So you’re not quite a pro? The Amateur Time Trial starts at 9 a.m. Saturday and riders must register to participate. This 8-mile out-and-back course follows Martin Luther King Jr. Drive with a turnaround at the Falls Bridge.

There’s also a charity ride for the American Association for Cancer Research (14.4 miles total) which starts Sunday at 6:30 a.m. Registration is online.

A free fan festival will run on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Iroquois Sculpture area on the Parkway near Eakins Oval. More than 150 vendors are expected. There will be live music, games and athlete interviews throughout the weekend.

The women’s race — 62 miles and four laps — begins at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, with the award ceremony at 1 p.m.

The men’s race — 120 miles and approximately eight laps — begins at noon, with the award ceremony at 5:30 p.m.

The route

The race begins on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, follows the Schuylkill River, passes through Fairmount Park and then reaches Manayunk, where cyclists travel down Main Street before turning onto the most iconic and challenging part of the course: The Manayunk Wall.

Leaving Manayunk, riders briefly enter Roxborough before the journey takes them back down to Kelly Drive. After a short traverse through Strawberry Mansion, the peloton, or main group of riders, tackles Lemon Hill, directly across from Boathouse Row. Finally, the 14.4-mile loop brings competitors back to the Parkway before they head out once again. Spectators line the streets along the circuit to cheer on the cyclists.

Spectators can watch the Philadelphia Cycling Classic from locations throughout the circuit, or on TV. The best viewing spots include the start/finish line and at the Manayunk Wall, where riders go up Levering Street and Lyceum Avenue. (The fastest riders to make it up the incline are dubbed King and Queen of the Mountain.) Main Street is known for its block-party atmosphere at the event, with numerous restaurants and shops lining the route. A popular viewing and picnicking spot is Lemon Hill, in Fairmount Park.

Road closures and public transit

Road closures will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday for the inner lanes of Parkway and remain in effect through Sunday at 10 p.m. Starting Saturday, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive will be closed from Eakins Oval to Falls Bridge beginning at 8 a.m. for the 8-mile Philadelphia Cycling Classic Amateur Time Trial. It will remain closed to vehicle traffic until Monday, Sept. 1.

Multiple road closures will impact traffic in the area on Sunday, in effect from approximately 3 a.m. to 10 p.m., and include Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 17th Street to Eakins Oval (all lanes), Eakins Oval (all lanes), the I-676 off-ramp and on-ramp at 22nd Street, and the I-76 eastbound off-ramp at Spring Garden Street. In Fairmount Park, Kelly Drive will be closed. There will be multiple road closures in Manayunk and Roxborough as well, including sections of Ridge Avenue and Main Street.

In addition, a number of blocks will be no-parking zones, and all vehicles must be relocated beginning 8 a.m. on Friday. Any vehicles remaining on site will be towed. These include Lyceum/Levering Avenue from Cresson Street to Pechin Street, Manayunk Avenue from Ridge Avenue to Roxborough Avenue, Pechin Street from Lyceum Avenue to Roxborough Avenue, and Roxborough Avenue from Pechin Street to Manayunk Avenue. All vehicles must be relocated from the full race course beginning at 3 a.m. on Sunday, and any vehicles remaining on site will be towed.

Public transportation also will be impacted because of the street closures. SEPTA Routes 7, 9, 27, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48, 49, 52, 60, 61, 65, 82, 124/125, K will be detoured from Kelly Drive, Manayunk and Roxborough beginning at 4 a.m. on Sunday. Specific route changes are available at septa.org.

SEPTA advises that the Parkway is best accessed from the 15th Street Market-Frankford Line (L) Station and Race-Vine or City Hall Broad Street (B) Line Station. Those traveling on Regional Rail will want to exit at Suburban Station.