Thousands of cyclists donned bike shorts and toe clips to participate in the annual Air Force Association Cycling Classic while spectators congregated to support them as they rode in one of the largest competitive cycling events in the country. The weekend-long series of events includes the Clarendon Cup, the Crystal Cup and the Challenge Ride.

More than 2,000 cyclists descended on Crystal Drive for the race.

“We love seeing how this event has grown in the nine years that we have served as host,” said Angela Fox, president of the Crystal City Business Improvement District, a supporting sponsor of the race. “Seeing our streets filled with cyclists aptly reflects our Crystal City community as an active, innovative and environmentally minded place.”

The cyclists were competing against themselves to complete as many laps as possible around the 15-kilometer closed course in three hours.

Aside from presenting an athletic challenge, the route offers tremendous views from the Air Force Memorial, the reward for the quad-burning, grueling uphill climb. The event offers the unique opportunity to ride on roadways typically reserved for motor vehicles.

Crystal City-based presenting sponsor Boeing and its 230-plus participating employees dominated the Corporate Challenge, which drew a formidable array of neighboring tenants like Northrup Grumman, Thales, Lockheed Martin and more.

After the ride, professional men and elite women racers took to the streets to compete for the coveted Crystal Cup, a favorite event on USA Cycling’s National Criterium Calendar.

Finally, following in the pedal-strokes of the pros, attendees' kids got a taste of competitive cycling on the scenic race route.

Proceeds from the day’s events benefit the Air Force Association’s Wounded Airman Program, which takes care of wounded, ill and injured airmen who have dedicated their lives to the protection of the nation.

To learn more about the Air Force Association Cycling Classic, visit its website.