ARLINGTON, VA — The Armed Forces Cycling Classic, a cycling event held in Arlington and Washington, D.C., has entered into a partnership with Amaury Sport Organisation, the French company that owns and operates the Tour de France and other professional cycling events.
The event, founded in 1998, began in Arlington as a local race tied to the region’s connections to the U.S. military. Organizers said it has since expanded from a single-day race into a multi-day event that includes professional races, amateur challenges, youth activities and a beneficiary component. In 2025, the event expanded into Washington for the first time.
“It’s impossible to overstate the significance of A.S.O entering the American market," said Brian J. Morra, chairman of the event’s advisory board. "This is similar to Formula One racing coming to the United States or to NFL games being played in Europe. This agreement marks a new and exciting era in American sports.”
For race founder and president of Arlington Sports, Robert Laybourn, the annual cycling event has been a rewarding, 28-year-long journey.
“Cycling has been so impactful for my life, and now starting this new chapter with A.S.O. will enable me to give back even more to the sport in really important ways," he said. "Stewardship is a key principle of my organization, and our collaboration with A.S.O. will build on the foundation we have established and ensure that this event will endure and grow to serve the community for many years to come. Our goals are aligned and reflect our shared vision for caretaking the sport of cycling for all of its stakeholders.”
Since 2025, Amazon has been the event's title sponsor.
“The Armed Forces Cycling Classic embodies what we believe great community partnerships look like, bringing people together, celebrating service, and investing in the places where we live and work," said Steve Hartell, Amazon vice president of public policy. "Amazon is proud to support this event and even prouder to see it take its place on the world stage.”
Yann Le Moenner, A.S.O.’s general manager, said, “We are proud to begin this collaboration alongside Arlington Sports on an event that has been developed with consistency and rigor for more than two decades.” He added, “What stands out to us is the strength of its foundations; the event is deeply rooted in the local community and has grown in a sustainable way. Our role will be to support this momentum and contribute to its development, while preserving its identity.”
The 2026 Armed Forces Cycling Classic is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, through Sunday, May 31, across Washington, D.C., and Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood. According to the event details, spectating is free, the challenge ride costs $120, and the event will be held rain or shine. A.S.O. representatives will be on site throughout race weekend.
For information on registration, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship, or how to experience the fast-paced action of professional cycling in the National Capital Region, visit www.cyclingclassic.org.
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