FAQs 

GENERAL

  • How can I volunteer during AFCC race week and race weekend? To see all opportunities to volunteer and sign up on line, visit our Volunteer website.

How can I donate to my favorite charity as part of the Corporate Challenge?

  • You can provide a tax deductible donation by visiting the AFCC fund raising page.

Who organizes the AFCC?

  • Arlington Sports has been promoting and organizing amateur and professional bike races since 1998. As a 501 (c) 3, Arlington Sports is dedicated to the promotion and development of amateur and professional cycling.

CHALLENGE RIDE

What is the Challenge Ride?

  • Started in 2008, the Challenge Ride is a non-competitive ride, open to cyclists of all abilities.

How long is the ride?

  • Starting and finishing in Crystal City, it is approximately 10km (6.5 miles) course closed to traffic. Cyclists have 3 hours to complete as many laps as possible.

Who can ride?

  • Anyone 10 and over can ride. You MUST have wear a helmet and sign a USA Cycling waiver. Those under the age of 18 MUST have a LEGAL parent or guardian sign their waiver.

Who gets a Medal?

  • EVERYONE who completes more than one lap: 9+ laps GOLD, 6-8 laps SILVER, 3-5 laps BRONZE

What time does the ride start?

  • You can start your ride anytime between 7:00-8:30am. The course closes at 10:00am. The later you start, the less opportunity you have to compete your laps.

How long will I be able to ride?

  • You can ride for UP TO 3 hours if you begin during the official start time at 7:00am. You will not be allowed to begin a new lap if there isn’t sufficient time to complete a full lap before 10:00am. The Race Permit only allows for the roads to be closed past 10:00am. A “Beat the Pace Car” will be on course monitoring your progress. If the pace car catches you, you will be asked to leave the course or board the free Shuttle Bus which will bring you back to the S/F line. As a guide, the fastest riders take 20 minutes to complete a lap.

Where does the ride start?

  • 2100 Crystal Drive is the address nearest the start finish line.

What happens if it rains?

  • You get wet! The event will be put on a temporary hold for very inclement weather (high winds and lightning). The race will be resumed when the Race Director and Arlington County Police Department have decided that it is safe

What can I ride?

  • Any pedal bike is fine. Tamdens are OK, as long as both participants have paid for registration. NO E_BIKES!!

Saturday, June 4: CRYSTAL CITY

  • Event Information Center Tent - At 20th ST S and Crystal Drive (adjacent to The Freshman), 6:00am - 8:00am

  • Where's lost & found in Crystal City? At the Event Information Center.

Where is medical located in Crystal City on Saturday?

Near 23rd Street and Crystal Drive.

What is the nearest place for supplies, fix flats, etc.

  • Shimano Tech Support will be available on site Saturday between Crystal Drive and 20th Street, with the TREK support van across the street from them.

Is there SAG support on the course?

  • There will be Ride Ambassadors along the course. Look for the special Ride Ambassador armband. For your own convenience, bring your own flat repair kits, water, etc.

How do I get an official Gear?

  • TBD

How do I get my medal?

  • When you are done with your ride, continue past the start/finish line to the first turn where we will offer a Course Exit to the left, into the driveway in front of Starbucks. Continue pas the turn. Distribution will begin at 9:00am. After you collect your medal, make your way back onto Crystal Drive, and be sure to get a photo in front of our Inspiration Backdrop!

Where will hydration stations be located?

  • TBD

Where can spectators get food?

  • There are multiple restaurants open in the area.

Where's the best place to park?

  • In the Underground in Crystal City. Access is available via 23rd Street S -- Please remember to remove bikes from roof racks before entering these lots.

CORPORATE CHALLENGE

  • What is the entry fee for the Corporate Challenge? Registration fee for the team is dependent upon how many riders on the team. Visit the Corporate Challenge team site for more details. Teams are asked to commit to raising $1,000 in support TAPS, our official beneficary There are no minimum/maximum numbers.

Where are the Corporate Challenge Tents?

  • The Corporate Challenge Tents are located along Crystal Drive between 20th and 23rd Street. Check with your team captain for your exact tent location.

Are there other Awards for the Challenge Teams?

  • The team raising the most money for TAPS will be recognized immediately following the Challenge ride on Saturday. Additionally, the teams with the most cumulative laps by all riders on the team and the team with the most laps from their top 6 riders will receive an award, on stag immediately following the conclusion of the Challenge Ride.

KIDS RACES

Can my child race?

Any child 9 and under can participate in the kid's race in Clarendon and/or Crystal City. There will be heats for different age groups (consider placing your child in the heat that is appropriate to their age and ability). All children must provide their own bicycle (Big Wheels and training wheels are acceptable). Helmets must be worn by all participants, no exception. Visit Kids Race for more information.

What’s the distance?

Crystal Course Map

  • Heat 1 (ages 8-9) & Heat 2 (ages 6-7) One lap=1km.

  • Heat 3 (ages 5 and under) 100 yards

Clarendon Course Map

  • Heat 1 (ages 8-9) & Heat 2 (ages 6-7) One lap=1km.

  • Heat 3 (ages 5 and under) 100 yards

What’s the cost to enter my child?

  • FREE

How do I enter?

  • You can preregister on-line, during packet pick up on Thursday and Friday or in person at the Kids Race Registration Booth during either race day morning. Are there any waivers or permission slips required? You must sign a USA Cycling event waiver during packet pick up or on site in Clarendon or Crystal City before the race begins. Only one waiver is required if you plan to enter your child both days.

Where do I go on race day?

  • Staging for all ages will be in Clarendon in front of the TD BANK, at Highland and Wilson Blvd. In Crystal City, staging will be in front of The Freshman at 20th ST S and Crystal Drive.

  • What time do the Kids Races start? All ages MUST be present and ready to race, with numbers attached and helmets on, no later than 11:35am in Clarendon (after the Women’s race) and no later than 12:25pm in Crystal City (after the Men’s Pro race medal presentation).

CLARENDON CUP

What is the Clarendon Cup?

  • A 1km course/100 mile Pro/Am crit race started by Arlington Sports, Inc. in 1998.

Where do the Pro/Am racers stage on race day? What time?

  • Staging on Sunday will take place on Garfield ST and Wilson 15 minutes prior to race start time.

Where is lost & found on Race day?

  • At the Volunteer Registration Tent.

Where can spectators get food?

  • There are multiple restaurants open in the area.

Where is the medical tent located in Clarendon?

EMS and ACPD HQ will be located at Highland and Wilson. There will also be a medical station at turn 1 (Wilson and Washington Blvd).

CRYSTAL CUP

What is the Crystal Cup?

  • A 1.2km Pro/Am crit races started by Arlington Sports, Inc. in 2007.

Where do the Pro/Am racers stage on race day? What time?

  • Staging on Saturday will take place at 20th and Crystal Drive 10 minutes prior to race start time.

Where's lost & found Race day?

  • At the Event Information Center Tent.

Where can spectators get food?

  • There are multiple restaurants open in the area.

Where is the medical tent located in Crystal City?

  • EMS and ACPD HQ will be located at the corner of Crystal Drive and 23rd Street.

AMATEUR/PRO RACES

What is a CRIT?

  • A criterium, or crit, is a bike race held on a short course (usually less than 3km), often run on closed-off city center streets.

Who can race?

  • To race in the Pro/Am you must have a valid USA Cycling license to participate in the Clarendon Cup or Crystal Cup. There will be no Category 5 races.

Are the Races sanctioned?

  • YES. Both the Clarendon Cup and the Crystal Cup are sanctioned by USA Cycling. The Pro/Am races are part of USA Cycling's National Criterium Calendar.

Where/how/when do results get posted for Clarendon & Crystal Cup?

  • The Chief Official will post results behind the main stage and will be reported by the stage announcers. Once all protests are resolved and the results posted for 30 minutes, they will become official. Results will be posted online within 24 hours. Where can I pick up by Prize Money and Premes? The Preme/Prize table is located behind main stage on Saturday, and near the Clarendon Metro Elevator on Sunday.

What are Premes?

  • Premes are special prizes awarded to specified lap winners during the race. The final list of Premes will be posted on-line when determined.

Saturday, June 4th, 8:30am-12:00pm

  • Event Information Center Tent - on 20th ST S near Crystal Drive.

Sunday, June 5th, 6:30am - 11:30am

  • Registration Tent is next to the Clarendon Metro Elevator (3100 Wilson Blvd) NOTE: Vehicle access is limited, so we recommend taking the metro or riding your bike.

Can I register for the Pro/Am on race morning?

  • Saturday, June 4th - 8:45am closing 30 minutes prior to your race. Register at the Event Information Center Tent - on 20th ST S near Crystal Drive.

  • Sunday, June 5th - 6:45am closing 30 minutes prior to your race. Register at the Event Information Center Tent - Across from the Start/Finish line, next to the Clarendon Metro Elevator.