The Armed Forces Cycling Classic Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant for Tourism Marketing
ARLINGTON, VA, May 11, 2023 - Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that The Armed Forces Cycling Classic event taking place June 3-4 in Arlington received $10,000 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program. In total, VTC awarded more than $3.2 million for 236 local and regional tourism marketing programs across the state to help increase visitation and revenue for Virginia’s localities through tourism.
The cycling event which is celebrating this year its 25th anniversary received a $10,000 grant for this year’s race. Arlington Sports, the promoting organization, will be using the grant to leverage existing marketing and advertising programs already in place to expand their reach into markets not already served.
The Armed Forces Cycling Classic (AFCC), presented by The Boeing Company is the DMV region’s most prestigious cycling event when it returns to Arlington, VA the weekend of June 3rd and 4th 2023, with happenings kicking off in Crystal City / National Landing on Saturday, and concluding in Clarendon on Sunday. The cycling packed weekend kicks off during World Bicycling Day (June 3), which celebrates the joy of cycling.
The weekend’s action begins early on Saturday, June 3 in Crystal City / National Landing with the Armed Forces Cycling Classic’s Challenge Ride. The ride is a closed course open to cycling enthusiasts of all abilities, from casual amateurs to serious competitors as well as Corporate Challenge teams and participants from each branch of the Armed Forces. Saturday will continue with the Women’s Pro/AM race, as they begin their hunt for the weekend overall Omnium Prize (most consistent finisher over the two days), the Kids Race (9 and under), and concludes with Day 1 of the Men’s Pro/Am. The 25th annual Clarendon Cup will take place on Sunday June 4th, and feature the 2nd day of Women’s and Men’s Pro/AM races, where the talented winners will be declared on the iconic 1km course around the Clarendon Metro.
“We’re thrilled that Virginia Tourism Corporation has awarded the AFCC a grant in this exciting 25th anniversary year,” said Emily Cassell, Director of the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service. “It’s not only a favorite annual event for locals, it draws a growing number of out-of-town visitors who get the chance to experience Arlington and its neighborhoods.”
Using the hub and spoke tourism partnership model, Virginia entities partner to apply for funding. Partners may consist of Virginia cities, towns, counties, convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce, other local or regional destination marketing organizations, private businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other tourism-related businesses. “VTC’s tourism marketing and sponsorship programs are designed to increase visitor spending by leveraging limited marketing dollars, to stimulate new tourism marketing through partnerships, and to extend the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand to drive visitation,” said Rita McClenny, VTC President and CEO. More information on VTC’s Marketing Leverage and Regional Marketing Programs can be found at vatc.org/grants.
“VTC’s marketing and sponsorship programs are powerful incentives creating tourism partnerships across Virginia that are a robust part of Virginia’s economic ecosystem,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “From first-time applicants like Foxfield Races and Paradise Springs Winery to large music festivals in Hampton Roads and Southwest Virginia driving inbound overnight visitation, these programs show that tourism and tourism partnerships help Virginia’s vibrant communities grow and thrive.”
“Driving inbound out-of-state overnight visitation is a key economic strategy and the VTC grant and sponsorship programs help create unique partnerships that have tangible economic impacts across Virginia,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “Many of these programs also support regional marketing initiatives designed to encourage Virginians to explore their own state.”
The Armed Forces Cycling Classic weekend’s activities offer riders and cycling fans alike plenty of exciting opportunities to participate. To register for the 2023 AFCC Challenge Ride, Corporate Challenge Ride, Pro/Am Races or Kids Races; obtain information on volunteer opportunities; become a sponsor; or learn how you can witness the fast-paced action of professional cycling in the Washington area, visit cycling classic.org.
Media interested in event weekend media credentials may contact Maurisa Potts at maurisa@spottedmp.com.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Armed Forces Cycling Classic
When: June 3 & 4, 2023
Where: National Landing/Crystal City & Clarendon
Time: Saturday, 7am – 2pm, Sunday, 7:45am – 2:30pm
Website: www.cyclingclassic.org
Cost to Watch: Free
Media Contact:
Maurisa Turner Potts
Spotted MP (Marketing + Public Relations)
703.501.6289
maurisa@spottedmp.com
About Arlington Sports
Arlington Sports, Inc. (ASI) is a Washington, D.C.,-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of professional and amateur bike racing. For additional information on the Armed Forces Cycling Classic and other ASI events, please visit arlingtonsports.org.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.