National Champions and Defending Champions Return to Pack Men’s/Women’s Pro/am fields

May 28, 2026

ARLINGTON, VA (May 28, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — 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.”

As always, the field will feature an impressive roster of National Champions from around the world, including current U.S. National Champions Lucas Bourgoyne for the men and Kendall Ryan for the women. Additional national champions competing this weekend include Cory Williams (BLZ), Dario Rapps (GER), Oliver Leroy (REU), Flor Espritusanto (DOM) 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 was 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 features former winner Brendan Rhim and his Project Echelon Racing / Amazon / Capgemini team, who helped power him to his most recent Clarendon Cup victory in 2024, the second title of his career. This weekend will also mark the first time Rhim and Project Echelon face several of their former teammates now competing under the newly formed Modern Adventure Pro Cycling Team banner, adding another layer of rivalry and anticipation to the race weekend.

Weekend 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 1.4 km course on Saturday will take place between the National Mall and the United States Capitol, running along 3rd Street between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW.

Those same fields will also compete in day two of the two-day Omnium in Arlington on Sunday during the 28th edition of the Clarendon Cup, which features a fast-paced 1 km circuit surrounding the Clarendon Metro station. In addition to these featured events, the Capitol Cup will also include two amateur races and a free kids race, offering opportunities for cyclists and families of all ages to participate throughout the weekend. Visit our website to view course maps and details for both race days.

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.

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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.

Media Contact:

Maurisa Turner Potts
Spotted MP (Marketing + Public Relations)
703.501.6289
maurisa@spottedmp.com

www.spottedmp.com