Philadelphia International Cycling Championship: The Favorites

The winner of the 2008 International Cycling Championship will establish themselves as a Philadelphia legend, like another well known Philly sports icon

The most anticipated leg of the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling is finally upon us: the big one, Philly. A world class field is assembled, ready to do battle in lava-like conditions as temperatures for the 156 mile race are expected to be in the mid 90's with high humidity levels. Under such tough conditions, many riders will wilt, unable to maintain in such adverse conditions. Others love extremely hot conditons, and so will be favored to take the biggest of the three leg Triple Crown of Cycling. Below follow the favorites for the International Cycling Classic.

Oscar Sevilla, Rock Racing

The Spaniard took a huge win for his Rock Racing team on Thursday at the Reading Classic, and loves racing in hot conditions. He believes he is in with a very realistic chance for another win, and with it the overall title in the Triple Crown competition. Expect "El Nino" to attack on the Manayunk Wall, hoping he can eliminate the sprinters and time trialists for the win. At worst, he should wrap up the KOM title.

Ivan Stevic, Toyota United

Stevic, the B World Champion (world champ for smaller countries), also is a fan of hot conditions and thinks a select group will remain toward the end of the race as the ultra-hot conditions will seperate the contenders from the pretenders early. "It will be so hot, alot of guys won't finish. You'll probably have about 50 guys left at the end who will try to win. I like the heat, so I should be there at the end."

Daniele Bennati, Liquigas

The Italian is coming off a hugely successful Giro d'Italia, where he took three stages and the points jersey. He has been slowed recently by a calf injury, but the world-class sprinter can't be counted out as a contender. He'll be battling jet lag and the hot conditions, but if he's there at the end, he'll be hard to come around.

Bernhard Eisel, High Road

Eisel is a dengerous sprinter an a durable all arounder capable of winning in a multitude of conditions. He showed well at Reading on Thursday in third place, and will be around at the end as he looks to improve on his third place in Philly from last year. He'll lead his High Road squad inn Philly, with an eye on a big win for the American team.

Rory Sutherland, Health Net presented by Maxxis

Sutherland is from New Zealand, and has raced in the baking heat of Australia many times. He is an accompished all-arounder, and has had a great season thus far in 2008. He should have good support from his team, and will be active in any breaks that go up the road. If not him though, perhaps his teammate Kirk O'Bee could carry the torch for Health Net.

While the above riders will be favored to win, there are a number of riders not mentioned above who could take the win. The incredibly high eat and humidity make the race tough to predict, and a lesser known rider probably won't be the one to win. Expect an accomplished, savvy pro to take top honors in what should be one of the toughest races thus far in 2008, in America or otherwise.