Second Annual Air Force Cycling Classic Takes Place

Last month, The US Air Force Cycling Classic took place in Arlington, Virginia where more than 300 amateur and professional cyclists participated.

The event, formally called the Crystal City Classic, was hosted by the Air Force for the second year in a row. "Just like the Marine Corps Marathon and the Army 10K, events like this reach out to the community and let them see their services," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "The cycling event is a vehicle to get to the greater good, and have some fun on a beautiful day here in the Capitol."

Proceeds from the event will benefit service members who sustained traumatic brain injuries while serving in the military.

"There are many people out there in harm's way," said Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, the vice chief of staff of the Air Force. "These Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen ... are ready to do what they've promised to the nation. This is a way of saying not only do we thank you, but also we appreciate what you do and we'll do whatever we can to make sure we take care of you. I think this race, in particular, really captures that."

The event included an amateur ride, which was open to participants of all abilities, a professional men's 150K race and the "Academy Shootout which featured teams from the US Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the US Military Academy at West Point. The Air Force team won the timed trials and the Navy accumulated the most total points, winning the day's events overall.

"I think the cycling classic is a great opportunity to get the academies together," said General Moseley. "We do a lot together in the real world, we do a lot together in combat, and we work together as a joint team. The academies have a lot of athletic interface, and what a treat it is at the Air Force Classic to compete against the other academies' cycling teams. I think it's just indicative of the close cooperation and partnership we have across the board."