A shorter Philly Cycling Classic set for June 2

The 2013 Parx Casino Philly Cycling Classic will start and end at the Manayunk "Wall" but skip the Art Museum and Benjamin Franklin Parkway in favor of a more compact course.

But at least the June 2 race will actually happen, surviving a threat to its existence when previous organizers could not find a corporate sponsor. U.S. Rep. Bob Brady and other civic leaders organized to save the event, recruiting Parx Casino and New Penn Financial as sponsors.

The race, famed for its leg-burning ascents up Manayunk's hills, will end atop Lyceum Avenue, part of the climb known as the Wall, which organizers hope will provide dramatic finishes for the crowd.

For the first time in the race's history, prize money will be equal for men and women racers at $30,000 each.

The women's race begins at 8:30 a.m. and consists of five laps of the 12-mile circuit, followed by the men's 10-lap, 120-mile race at noon.

Riders will still cycle along Kelly Drive and through Fairmount Park, but the course, which is 2.7 miles shorter than last year's, aims to consolidate crowds and reduce city charges for closing streets, police overtime and cleanup.