Air Force District of Washington –
Cycling enthusiasts from around the world will gather June 12-13 to ride in the Air Force Cycling Classic in Crystal City and the Clarendon Cup race Clarendon, Va.
Last year's event drew over 1,000 riders who toured pass the Air Force Memorial and other points of interesting in the D.C., area.
"In keeping with the Air Force's 2010 theme 'The Year of the Air Force Family,' the Air Force Cycling Classic is a great opportunity for families to participate in a fun filled event," said Maj. Gen. Darrell D. Jones, Air Force District of Washington commander. "The Air Force Cycling Classic not only promotes fitness and family, it affords the Air Force a venue to work with our national community partners."
The Air Force Cycling Classic features the 13th Clarendon Cup in Clarendon, Va., which will take place June 12 under the sponsorship of the Air Force Cycling Classic. The Air Force Cycling Classic Clarendon Cup zips through the heart of Arlington's Clarendon neighborhood on the famous 1km course around the Clarendon Metro. The Men's and Women's races are a part of USA Cycling's National Race Calendar. In addition to these marquee races, there will be two amateur races and a race for kids under nine years old.
Times and events for the June 12 Air Force Clarendon Cup races are:
8 - 9:50 a.m. - Amateur Races
8 a.m. - 2:20 p.m. - Expo
9:55 - 11:15 a.m. - Women's Elite Race
11:35 a.m. - Kids Race
11:55 a.m. - National Anthem
Noon - 2:15 p.m. - Men's Pro Race
The Air Force Crystal Ride is a challenging participatory ride in and around Crystal City is June 13; start time is 7:30 a.m. This event will be comprised of some of the most elite professional cyclists in the world. Top U.S. and International teams will compete on a challenge circuit in Crystal City. These athletes will average in excess of 25 miles per hour.
Race fans will enjoy two fast-paced races. Sunday's Crystal City Race, a Union Cycliste Internationale sanctioned Circuit race in 2008 and 2009, will return to its original criterium format first run in 2007. This race complements Clarendon's technical nature with the long straightaway along Crystal Drive.
The Men's Pro race will depart from the Air Force Memorial at 11:30 a.m., and make their way down to Crystal City to race on the 2km criterium course. The Women's Elite race will follow. The days' racing will conclude with a men's amateur race.
Times and events for the Air Force Classic Crystal Cup Men's Pro, Women's Elite and Amateur Races June 13 are:
7:30 - 11 a.m. - Crystal Ride (non-competitive)
8 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Expo (Crystal City)
11:15 a.m. - Kids Race (Crystal City)
11:20 a.m. - National Anthem, Air Force Memorial
11:30 a.m. - Men's Pro Race Depart (from Air Force Memorial)
11:40 a.m. - 1:10 p.m. - Men's Pro Race (Crystal City)
1:20 - 2:20 p.m. - Women's Elite Race (Crystal City
2:30 - 3:15 p.m. - Amateur Race (Crystal City)
A beneficiary of the Air Force Cycling Classic is the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a national leader in supporting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families. The Fund will design and build the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, an advanced facility dedicated to research, diagnosis and treatment of military personnel and veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury and psychological health issues. A portion of the proceeds from the 2010 Air Force Cycling Classic will go directly to support the NICoE.
Participants in the Air Force Cycling Classic will again be able to earn a gold medal by completing 8 laps in under three-and-a-half hours. A silver medal is earned by riding 4 laps, and a bronze for 2 laps.
Registration for the amateur participatory ride is now open through the events website:
www.AirForceCyclingClassic.com.