'A whole lot of upside and potential' - Armed Forces Cycling Classic partners with ASO for international development of pro races, amateur events in US capitol

Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), organisers of international sporting events including the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes, have entered into a multi-year, strategic agreement with US-based Arlington Sports to strengthen the international reach of pro races and amateur events that are part of Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic.

Arlington Sports has organised a weekend of cycling events in the Washington D.C region for 28 years, known today as the Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic (AFCC). This year's pro races return the weekend after Memorial Day - Capitol Cup on May 30 in Washington, DC and Clarendon Cup on May 31 in Arlington, Virginia. The Challenge Ride for amateurs will be held on May 30.

"We haven't sat down to break down what needs to be done, but together we see a whole lot of upside and potential, and growth opportunity," Rob Laybourn, president of Arlington Sports, told Cyclingnews.

"I think the overall mission here is that they recognize that there's a very well-established, successful event in the sport of cycling, that has demonstrated its value to sponsors, to the community, to the jurisdictions, and fits within their mission. They want to be caretakers for the sport."

Laybourn founded the Clarendon Cup bike race in 1998, and then added a second day of racing, Crystal Cup (now the Capitol Cup) to create the Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic. There are also amateur and mass participation events as well as charitable initiatives.

"Creating the Armed Forces Cycling Classic has been very rewarding for me: it has allowed me to contribute to the development of a sport that has meant a great deal in my life and to share it with as many people as possible. Working with A.S.O., a global reference in cycling, is both a source of pride and a real source of enthusiasm for the future of this event,” Laybourn said in a press statement.

Laybourn confirmed he would remain as the race director this year and that A.S.O. would collaborate to elevate the event for future years.

"Arlington Sports approached us with a well-structured and coherent plan centered on an event that has experienced steady and controlled growth. It's an event with key political support from local governments, committed and loyal sponsors among the largest companies in the US and a well-established mass-participation race," a representative from A.S.O. told Cyclingnews.

"A.S.O. is carefully evaluating opportunities to promote the global expansion of cycling, particularly in such a significant market that will host the upcoming Olympic Games. The Washington D.C., area is key, featuring iconic landmarks and a vibrant cycling community. It is one of the leading sports cities in the U.S. in terms of number of professional teams and it is also seeking to develop more inclusive events that encourage public participation."

This year's two venues for all pro races and the Challenge Ride, which offers a car-free, 12-mile closed course for up to three hours, remain unchanged. Both pro races are sanctioned by USA Cycling and offer a $17,000 prize purse each day, split evenly between men and women, plus a $5,000 Omnium prize list for top 10s in each category.

The collaboration between the two companies would include looking at broadcast television for AFCC in the future. Both A.S.O. and Arlington Sports shared a grassroots vision to have a positive impact by encouraging everyone to incorporate more cycling into their daily lives.

Based in France, A.S.O. is a subsidiary of the media company Amaury Group, which owns newspaper L'Equipe. The sport group organises 100 events in 36 countries, including two Grand Tours - men's and women's Tour de France, La Vuelta España, la Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour.es. They also operate events in motor sports, golf, sailing and mass events, such as the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris.

“The arrival of A.S.O. on the American market is a major step for the development of cycling in the country. This agreement marks a promising new stage for American sport," added Brian J. Morra, chairman of the Advisory Board of the Armed Forces Cycling Classic.