The Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic rolls in Washington DC this weekend with deep international fields, returning champions, national jerseys and one of America’s fastest urban race weekends. Defending winners Dario Rapps and Marlies Mejias Garcia headline two days of Capitol Cup and Clarendon Cup action — with Kendall Ryan hungry for revenge after last year’s razor-close finish.
ARLINGTON, VA, May XX, 2026 — This weekend’s Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic, presented by Events DC, which takes place on, May 30/31, 2026, will see both Men’s and Women’s Pro/Am defending champs return for the two days of races, leading deep international fields. German National Champion Dario Rapps (GER) will lead his strong German DCC/JLL team to defend his 2025 victory, while defending women’s champion Marlies Mejias Garcia (CUB) leads the Virginia Blue Ridge/2028/Deloitte women’s team in a rematch of last year’s photo finish against US National Champion Kendall Ryan.
“This event is always a huge highlight of our trip to the US,” said Dario Rapps (GER) of the DCC/JLL team. “Winning here last year was incredibly special for me. My first win in the US, right in front of the Capitol in Washington, is something I will never forget. Racing these events against the best criterium riders in the world makes it even more meaningful.”
“Armed Forces Cycling Classic is always a race I look forward to, said Marlies Mejias Garcia. “It is close to home for us as a Virginia-based team, and the energy from the crowds makes it a really special event. We are coming in with a very strong squad this weekend, and we are excited to race aggressively, represent Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28 and Deloitte and to put on a great show for the fans.”
** Be sure to LISTEN LIVE to this weekend’s racing action an Saturday and Sunday**
As always, a long list of National Champions from around the world will be participating, including both current US National Champions – Lucas Bourgoyne for the Men and Kendall Ryan for the Women. Other national champions include Cory Williams, (BLZ), Dario Rapps (GER), Oliver Leroy (REU) and Kyra Marett (NZL).
“I’m really proud of the success I’ve had at the Armed Forces Cycling Classic over the years.” said Ryan. I always seem to have good legs at this race. I didn’t realize I am the winningest rider at this race until now, that is a very cool fun fact. Last year’s second place definitely adds extra motivation coming into this weekend. Having my full squad of girls around me this year is a huge advantage, and it gives me a lot of confidence coming to this race with such a stacked field.”
The field also includes former winner Brendan Rhim and his Project Echelon/Amazon/Capgemini team, who helped him to his most recent Clarendon Cup victory in 2024 – the second of his career. Rhim and Project Echelon will face many of their former teammates on the newly formed Modern Adventure Pro Cycling Team for the first time this weekend.
Watch the PEZ Interview with AFCC Founder Rob Laybourn :
All of our race rosters can be found HERE.
Saturday’s Capitol Cup will kick-off the pro/am race. This is the second year for this course, with all the excitement taking place in front of the Nation’s Capitol.
The 1.4km course on Saturday will be located between the National Mall and the US Capitol building, along 3rdST, between Constitution Ave, NW and Independence Ave, SW. Those fields will also participate in day two of the two-day Omnium in Arlington, VA on Sunday for the 27th Edition of the Clarendon Cup, which features a 1km course around the Clarendon Metro stop.
In additional to these featured events, the Capitol Cup will offer two amateur races and a free kid’s race. Visit our website to view both days courses HERE.
The Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic weekend’s activities offer riders, racers and cycling fans alike plenty of exciting opportunities to participate. To obtain information on registration, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship, 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.
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.
The post AFCC Preview: National Champions and Defending Champions Return to Pack Men’s/Women’s Pro/am fields appeared first on PezCycling News.
