Races in the Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic are happening in Arlington and D.C. this weekend, leading to some road closures around Clarendon and Crystal City.
The international cycling event kicks off its 27th year at 7 a.m. this Saturday with an amateur Challenge Ride, followed by professional/amateur races in the Capital Cup and Sunday’s Clarendon Cup.
The Challenge Ride features themed races for military members and veterans, corporate teams and a new ‘PrideRide‘ coinciding with WorldPride in D.C. The schedule also includes two bike rides for kids and business expos in Clarendon and D.C.
This year’s event is slightly different than in years past.
The former Crystal Cup race is now called the Capital Cup and has relocated to D.C. The start and finish lines for the Challenge Ride have likewise relocated to the other side of the Potomac River.
Also, the overall event used to be called the Armed Forces Cycling Classic, but the name changed last year to mark the event’s sponsor.
In January, founder Rob Laybourn told ARLnow the changes are intended to “enhance the experience for participants, attract a broader audience, and increase the overall economic impact across the region.”
Clarendon-based nonprofit Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will continue as a charity partner this year, in addition to the Capital Pride Alliance.
Cyclists are encouraged to arrive early to pick up their numbers. This will take place from 8-11:30 a.m. Saturday at Constitution Street and 3rd Street NW in D.C, and from 6:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday at 3100 Wilson Blvd in Clarendon.
The Arlington County Police Department will enforce several road closures in and around Crystal City and Clarendon to accommodate the races.
Saturday’s Challenge Ride will close the following roadways.
From approximately 4:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- 12th Street S., from S. Eads Street to Crystal Drive
- Crystal Drive, from 12th Street S. to 15th Street S. (Local traffic only)
- S. Clark Street, from 12th Street S. to 14th Road S.
- 14th Road S., from S. Clark Street to 15th Street S.
- Westbound 15th Street S., from Crystal Drive to S. Eads Street
- S. Eads Street, from 12th Street S. to Army Navy Drive
- Long Bridge Drive from 10th Street S. to 12th Street S.
- Richmond Highway, from 20th Street S. to I-395
- Route 110, from Richmond Highway to Wilson Blvd/I-66
- Army Navy Drive from S. Eads Street to 12th Street S.
Additionally, the Clarendon Cup on Sunday will lead to the following closures.
From approximately 3 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Wilson Blvd, from N. Highland Street to Washington Blvd
From approximately 5:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Wilson Blvd, from N. Edgewood Street to N. Highland Street
- Wilson Blvd, from 10th Street N. to Washington Blvd
- N. Fillmore Street, from Clarendon Blvd to Wilson Blvd – there will be no access to Clarendon Blvd from N. Fillmore Street
- Clarendon Blvd, from Washington Blvd to N. Edgewood Street
- Washington Blvd, from Kirkwood Road to N. Garfield Street
- Washington Blvd, from N. Garfield Street to 10th Street N. – westbound only
- N. Highland Street, from Washington Blvd to 13th Street N. – access to the public parking garage in the 1300 block of N. Highland Street will be available
- N. Garfield Street, from Clarendon Blvd to Wilson Blvd
