Two Days of Pro Races Set For Air Force Cycling Classic

Two Days of Pro Races Set For Air Force Cycling Classic

Arlington, VA - The upcoming Air Force Cycling Classic will again provide two days of heart-pounding riding and racing. The pro racing begins on Saturday, June 12th, with the Air Force Cycling Classic Clarendon Cup zipping through the heart of Arlington's Clarendon neighborhood, and continues on Sunday, June 13th in Crystal City.

The Clarendon Cup, now in it's 13th year, will highlight present and future stars of professional cycling. It has enjoyed a long tradition of showcasing the top US pro teams, as well as some of the best international and Pro Tour teams. Among the most notable are the US Postal Service, Mercury-Viatel, CSC, Slipstream (now Garmin-Transitions), High Road (now Columbia-HTC) and BMC, as well as almost every US registered pro team, from Navigators and Saturn, and the current top teams like Colavita and Team Type 1.

"I first did this race in 2000, then getting on the podium in 2001 behind Jans Keortz and Gord Fraser, and winning in 2002 with Navigators," said Vassili Davidenko, VP Athletic Operations for Team Type I. "I have always called it the hardest crit in the country: 100km, 100 laps, 500 turns...super fast, the weather could be a factor too and you can't be confident until the last turn. Even then, in 2006 I broke my frame inside 200 meters to go, but at 250 I was sure the Cup was going to be mine again."

With all the turns and short straight-aways, the technical demands of the Clarendon Cup course combined with the depth of the field, ensure the difficulty of the race. Every team participating is in top form and gunning to take home the prestigious win.

"Clarendon has been the home to some of the fastest races I've ever competed in," said nine-time Tour de France finisher Frankie Andreau. "The accelerations, the speed, and the crashes were amazing regardless of whether I was racing or more recently announcing on the main stage. As the director for the Kenda/GearGrinder Cycling team, I'm excited to bring a strong team that will push the limits of the others as they try to beat us."

For the past two years, Sunday's race in Crystal City has been a UCI-sanctioned Circuit race. However, the course will return to its original criterium format first run in 2007. This race will test the riders in a different way, and complements Clarendon's technical nature with the long straightaway along Crystal Drive.

"We are very excited to see the criterium format return. This great afternoon of racing entertainment offers a much more engaging spectator experience after the morning's Air Force Cycling Challenge Crystal Ride," said Angie Fox, Crystal City Business Investment District. "After a fun day of cycling, riders can shower at Sport & Health for free, then watch the pros while enjoying a great lunch al fresco from our many wonderful restaurants."

Complementing the pro racing is the Air Force Cycling Challenge Crystal Ride, which offer cyclists of all abilities to ride that weekend, testing their legs for up to 3½ hours on the 12.5km course. Participants completing eight laps will get a gold medal. Registration for the amateur participatory ride is now open. More information can be found through the event's website: www.airforcecyclingclassic.com.

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The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is a public-private partnership established in April 2006 to promote the vibrant Crystal City business, retail, restaurant and residential community. The BID is committed to showcasing the area as a world-class destination for visitors, employees and residents. Crystal City is ACTIVE, ARTFUL, ACCESSIBLE, and GREEN. For more information, visit www.crystalcity.org.

Arlington Sports, Inc is a Virginia-based 501(c)3 non-profit, dedicated to the promotion and development of professional and amateur bike racing. For additional information on the US Air Force Cycling Classic and other ASI events, please visit www.arlingtonsports.org.

The United States Air Force will be a trusted and reliable joint partner with our sister services known for integrity in all of our activities, including supporting the joint mission first and foremost. We will provide compelling air, space, and cyber capabilities for use by the combatant commanders. We will excel as stewards of all Air Force resources in service to the American people, while providing precise and reliable Global Vigilance, Reach and Power for the nation.