PHILADELPHIA — Bicyclists from 13 countries are beginning a six-day, 420-mile "stage race" from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.

The race starts today at Memorial Hall in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park.

Organizers say it will feature the world's elite young cyclists. All are under 25-years old and might one day be the stars of the Olympics and Tour de France.

Six riders on 17 teams will follow the Forbes Trail, the route young George Washington and John Forbes used 250 years ago to reach Bedford, Ligonier, Latrobe and Pittsburgh.

Dave Chauner, the founder of the Philadelphia International bicycling championship, says each day will feature a different leg and, like the Tour de France, each rider's time will accumulate over the six-day period.