I talk with Rob Laybourn, founder of the Armed Forces Cycling Classic bike race in Arlington VA, scheduled for May 31-June 1, 2025. We talk about the full weekend of family-friendly cycling events, including the Crystal Cup and Clarendon Cup pro/am races for the top men and women racers, the everyone-welcome Challenge Ride on a new course that flows past the nation’s Capital Building, the legendary Kids races, the amateur races and more, including how Rob has grown the event over 27 years to attract top level corporate sponsorship.
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• Register and more info at https://cyclingclassic.org
Arlington Sports announces expanded partnership with Amazon for the Armed Forces Cycling Classic
ARLINGTON, VA, January 29, 2025 — Arlington Sports is thrilled to announce that Amazon has secured the naming rights to one of the nation’s premier cycling events. The Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic is set to take place on May 31-June 1, 2025. This esteemed and long-standing cycling event will also expand its footprint to include the District of Columbia.
“Amazon has been a proud sponsor of this event for the past three years.” said Patrick Phillippi, Head of Community Engagement for Amazon in Greater Washington. “The Armed Forces Cycling Classic reflects so many key important core values for our company, including health and wellness, support for our military community, and engaging our workforce and local community, all taking place in our backyard.”
The weekend kicks off bright and early on Saturday, May 31, with the Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic’s Challenge Ride. The Challenge Ride offers a 21km closed course that welcomes cycling enthusiasts of all skill levels, and will now start and finish in our Nation’s Capital. Participants will enjoy the opportunity to ride against the backdrop of Washington, DC, and Arlington’s most iconic landmarks. Participants can aim for gold, silver, or bronze medals, awarded based on the number of laps completed during the three-hour event.
The weekend’s activities also include two days of races, featuring the nation’s top Pro/Am men’s and women’s cycling teams. Saturday’s race will be held on a short, spectator friendly course in DC, utilizing the same start/finishing area as the Challenge Ride. On day two, the racing moves to Arlington, VA, for the 27th edition of the Clarendon Cup Pro/Am bike races.
The Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic has grown into an internationally recognized event, celebrated for its diverse participant base, inclusive community opportunities for cyclists of all ages and abilities, and strong support of our Armed Forces and their families. The races have been attracting a highly competitive international field for decades, with National Champions participating from around the world.
The Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic weekend’s activities offer riders and cycling fans alike plenty of exciting opportunities to participate. To obtain information on registration, volunteer opportunities; or how to become a sponsor; or learn how you can witness the fast-paced action of professional cycling in the Washington, DC region, visit cyclingclassic.org.
Media interested in event weekend media credentials may contact Maurisa Potts at maurisa@spottedmp.com.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Armed Forces Cycling Classic
When: May 31-June 1, 2025
Where: Washington, DC & Arlington, VA (Clarendon)
Website: www.cyclingclassic.org
Cost: Free
Weather Plan: Rain or shine
Arlington Sports, Inc. (ASI) is a Washington, D.C.,-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of professional and amateur bike racing.
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