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

The Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic (AFCC) returns to Washington DC on May 30 and 31, 2026, featuring a strong international field with defending champions and national titleholders competing across the Men’s and Women’s Pro/Am categories. German National Champion Dario Rapps and Cuban rider Marlies Mejias Garcia will headline the event, both aiming to defend their 2025 victories. The two-day race weekend includes the Capitol Cup on Saturday and the Clarendon Cup on Sunday, with courses set against iconic Washington landmarks, promising fast-paced and competitive urban racing. Rapps, leading the German DCC/JLL team, described last year’s win as a memorable milestone in his career, highlighting the prestige of racing in front of the US Capitol. Meanwhile, Mejias Garcia, representing the Virginia Blue Ridge/2028/Deloitte women’s team, expressed enthusiasm for racing on home turf and the strong squad she will bring to challenge US National Champion Kendall Ryan. Ryan, the most successful rider in the event’s history, is motivated by last year’s narrow defeat and confident in her team’s prospects with full support from her squad. The event attracts a diverse roster of national champions, including US titleholders Lucas Bourgoyne and Kendall Ryan, as well as riders from Belize, Reunion, and New Zealand. Former Clarendon Cup winner Brendan Rhim will also compete, representing Project Echelon/Amazon/Capgemini, and will face off against former teammates now racing for the Modern Adventure Pro Cycling Team. This dynamic field sets the stage for intense competition and intriguing rivalries across both days of racing. The Capitol Cup’s 1.4km circuit runs between the National Mall and the US Capitol, offering spectators a unique urban racing experience, while the Clarendon Cup features a 1km course around the Clarendon Metro station in Arlington, Virginia. Alongside the professional races, the event includes amateur competitions and a free children’s race, encouraging broad community participation. Organisers Arlington Sports, Inc. continue to promote cycling development in the region, inviting fans and participants to engage with the event through various opportunities. Looking ahead, the AFCC remains a highlight on the American cycling calendar, combining high-level competition with accessible community events. With live coverage available, fans worldwide can follow the action as national champions and defending winners vie for glory in one of the fastest urban race weekends in the United States. The event’s continued growth and international appeal underscore its importance in the global criterium racing scene.