Pro Cycling on the Streets of Clarendon for the Air Force Classic

For one weekend every June, the streets around Clarendon and Crystal City in Arlington VA turn into a high speed bicycle course as part of the Air Force Association Cycling Classic. We were on hand to June 8 to photograph some of the top professional men and women cyclists compete for the Clarendon Cup which is part of the prestigious USA Cycling National Criterium Calendar.
The Air Force Association Cycling Classic’s Clarendon Cup has been the Washington DC region’s premier Pro/Am races since 1998. The race showcases a form of cycling involving a series of high-speed bike races that take place on a 1km course on city streets. The Clarendon Cup is known as one of the most difficult criterium races in the U.S. due to technical demands of the course and the quality of the participants. The men’s pro race is 100 laps (100km), the women’s race is 50 laps at speeds upwards of 30 MPH.

Aldo Imo Ilesic of Slovenia was the first place male finisher in the Clarendon Cup. American Amanda Miller topped the field among elite women.

View our photos of the racers in action by clicking on the photo icons below.