So yes, I was lucky enough to make it to Philadelphia for the race this past Sunday.  It was everything it was made out to be. I'm working on the words, but for now, enjoy some of the pictures:

Hit the other side for a photo story of the race as it got going . . .

Setting the Stage - workers putting together the start/finish area (via Blacknell)

"A left at the what?" - Slipstream riders at the race hotel, just before heading to the sign-in (via Blacknell)

Not part of the race caravan (and not even Michael Ball's car, as best I could tell) (via Blacknell)

Team High Road (including eventual 2nd and 3rd place winners) chilling before the race (via Blacknell)

I can't tell you how many times the phrase "ride it like you stole it" came to mind, this day. (via Blacknell)

A Different Playing Field - Liquigas rolling in rentals, eh? (via Blacknell)

Maciej Bodnar of Liquigas. (via Blacknell)

Just your everyday Philly commuters (via Blacknell)

MacDonald's? Maybe you could spread some of that cycling sponsorship love around your own country? (via Blacknell)

Tifosi might recognize that rear end . . . (via Blacknell)

The Plan: Keep Cool (via Blacknell)

Not bad, as start/finishes go (via Blacknell)

Matty Rice, chatting with the announcer at the rider sign-in (via Blacknell)

Sehr Gut: Team Sparkasse made the trek from Deutschland (via Blacknell)

It's all smiles, now - on the way to the rider sign-in (via Blacknell)

Or not. (via Blacknell)

Bennati. Daniele Bennati. (via Blacknell)

More Benna for the boys and girls that appreciate pretty boys. (via Blacknell)

I think we've reached our Recommended Daily Benna Allowance. (via Blacknell)

The Team Pose - accomodating fans before the race (via Blacknell)

The Day's Requirements (via Blacknell)

No, really. (via Blacknell)

Toyota-United's Ivan Stevic (via Blacknell)

Stevic chatting with a fan (via Blacknell)

Race favorite Oscar Sevilla (via Blacknell)

"No, Daniele, you're prettier than I am." "Yes. Yes, I am." (via Blacknell)

Maggie SMASH! (via Blacknell)

Are you talking to me, Gavia? (via Blacknell)

Yes, that's 6'4" and 210lbs of Magnus Backstend next to two riders who are themselves huge by cycling standards. (via Blacknell)

The Two Ivans (via Blacknell)

IMG_8346 (via Blacknell)

Timmy Kelly performs the National Anthem. I went looking for his last name. Don't call him a new kid - he's been here for years. And yet he was still *thrilled* when he was do (via Blacknell)

The Field - 24 teams of 5-8 competed (via Blacknell)

Well this sucks. Wheel change on the first lap. 1, (via Blacknell)

2 (via Blacknell)

3 (via Blacknell)

4 (via Blacknell)

5 (via Blacknell)

6 (via Blacknell)

7 (via Blacknell)

8 (via Blacknell)

9 (via Blacknell)

And that's a 10 in the Pro Rider Toss! (via Blacknell)

Philly Say Cheese! (via Blacknell)

And the men are off to the long laps (via Blacknell)

Lara Kroepsh, of ValuAct Capital (via Blacknell)

Some mug, some don't. (via Blacknell)

Confiscated bike. One Less Fixie. (Kidding. Sorta.) (via Blacknell)

Ladies Rock (via Blacknell)

The tifosi are multitudinous. But still not sure why the guy on the left is wearing a rope around his neck. (via Blacknell)

Muncipal Temp Control (via Blacknell)

Waiting for the riders. Seriously. (via Blacknell)

The Manayunk Motto (via Blacknell)

Not sure of the actual motto, but they were really enthusiastic about it. (via Blacknell)

Not Rider Support Crews (via Blacknell)

IMG_8582 (via Blacknell)

In a rush (via Blacknell)

A family affair (via Blacknell)

Manayunk is full of fast women (via Blacknell)

IMG_8685 (via Blacknell)

It's a party . . . (via Blacknell)

. . . for some of us. Not everyone. (via Blacknell)

Tomorrow you'll see the *real* action on the hill.

-Mark Blacknell for PodiumCafe