With COVID Protocols slowly being lifted around the United States, the US Criterium Calendar got off to an exceptional week of racing held in Arlington, Virginia this past weekend June 5th and 6th. In its 23rd year, the Arlington Armed Forces Classic kicked off the first Post big race of the year. Fans were truly delighted to see the sports, recreation, and delightful leisure time return to the region. In many ways, this event felt like the first normal day experienced by those in attendance. Despite an unusually hot day in the region (with temperatures soaring well into the mid-90’s F) fans were truly delighted to enjoy all that this weekend had to offer. What these two days offered was some of the very best racers in the National Calendar to show off their form and let their legs reveal how well they maintained their form over the winter.
Men’s race fans were treated to a party and a drag race along Crystal Drive
Please enjoy the gallery as we relive our best memories of this weekend’s races. Despite the ink on the result sheets still barely died off, we are already looking forward to the 24th edition of this race in 2022. If there is one thing not to be missed in the Mid Atlantic it is the Arlington Armed Forces Classic.
Women’s race Tina Pic-gives chase through corner
Sprint Win for Coles-Lyster at Clarendon Cup and a Solo Break for Vogel
After over a year of event cancellations, the men and women came ready to race at the 23rd annual Armed Forces Cycling Classic. Saturday’s Crystal City Cup was a challenging primer that resulted in a repeat win for Kendall Ryan of L39ion of Los Angeles and first time win for Connor Sallee of ButcherBox Cycling.
Women’s Start Line: A few laughs before the start of the race. Most of the top 3 on todays podium are all lined up next to one another
Maggie Coles-Lyster (DNA-Pro-Cycling-Team) beats Kendall Ryan (L39ion of Lost Angeles) in a two up sprint
The Clarendon Cup was hot and the attacks never stopped during the women’s race. Instafund, Lux p/b sideshow, L39ion of Los Angeles, and CWA Racing p/b Trek were taking turns at the front driving the pace. It ended with a sprint finish and Maggie Coles-Lyster of DNA Pro Cycling Team edged out the 2019 winner, Kendall Ryan of L39ion of Los Angeles at the line.
Kendall Ryan (L39ion of Los Angeles) is all smiles today after her victory
Maggie Coles Lyster (DNA Pro Womens Cycling Team) with Alexi Costa (CWA Racing) after the race. Two great competitors and friends sharing stories. Maggie with the trophy, and Lexi with the scabs to remember. Alexi was involved in a pileup earlier
The men’s race got off to a rocky start with a mass pileup at the beginning that neutralized the race and officials ultimately restarted it. The excitement didn’t end there, after several attacks splitting the peloton into two groups, Stephen Vogel of Project Echelon Racing did a seated attack, got a gap and committed with approximately 25-laps to go to a solo time trial-style win, holding the main chase group off with a 9-second lead. In a sprint finish for second place, Scott McGill edged out Noah Granigan of Wildlife Generation Pro Cycling, followed by Ty Magner of L39ion.
Cory Williams (L39ion of Los Angeles) leads a dwindling peloton but they know that Stephen Vogel (Project Echelon Racing) has a resounding lead
Tyler Stites (Aevolo) and Samual Boardman (L39ion of Los Angeles) in hot pursuit
Connor Sallee (Butcher Box Cycling) celebrates at the line
Stephen Vogel (Project Echelon Cycling) gets to celebrate a second time after being so in the zone he raised his hands in victory with one lap to go
Women’s Clarendon Cup Podium:
1. Maggie Coles Lyster, DNA Pro Cycling Team
2. Kendall Ryan, L39ion of Los Angeles
3. Makayla MacPherson, Lux p/b sideshow
4. Skylar Schneider, L39ion of Los Angeles
5. Rachel Langdon, InstaFund Racing
Women’s podium
Men’s Clarendon Cup Podium:
1. Stephen Vogel, Project Echelon
2. Scott McGill, Aevolo
3. Noah Granigan, Wildlife Generation Pro Cycling
4. Ty Magner, L39ion of Los Angeles
5.John Heinlein III, Project Echelon
Men’s podium
Women’s Omnium Results:
1. Maggie Coles-Lyster, DNA Pro Cycling Team
2. Kendall Ryan, L39ion of Los Angeles
3. Makayla MacPherson, Lux p/b sideshow
Kendall Ryan (L39ion of Los Angeles) wins today’s race in convincing fashion
Men’s Omnium Results:
1. Stephen Vogel, Project Echelon
2. Noah Granigan, Wildlife Generation Pro Cycling
3. Samuel Boardman, L39ion of Los Angeles
Men’s podium
# Full race results can be found at https://my.raceresult.com/171536/ – 9_42FB42 #
Fans were treated to a treat to the excitement of he feed zone on the front of the course instead of the backside. If you look closely you will notice Alexi Costa (CWA Racing) bandaged up doing double duty by helping her teammates
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