Photographer, Darrell Parks, stayed on after the Air Force Association Cycling Classic Clarendon Cup for the next days Crystal Cup in Arlington, Virginia. More excitement, more heat, but thankfully less crashes on the Sunday. This year’s Air Force Association Cycling Classic Crystal Cup was even hotter than the previous day’s Clarendon Cup. Somehow the riders and I managed to stay hydrated and beat the heat. Heres my recollection of the days events in pictures as I made my way around the course.The race format is switched for the Crystal Cup so the men start before the women. This would usually result in some cooler morning temperatures for the men, but it was already into the 90’s by the time the men were called to the start just before noon. Here Chris Horner tries to find some shade from the blistering hot sun while waiting for his call up.Proudly displaying his stars and stripes kit, Champion Systems rider James LaBerge holds his helmet over his heart during the playing of the National Anthem. After all, Sunday’s race was being held on Flag Day. Turn one of the course gives just a hint of the Crystal City skyline. The buildings here tend to have a modern design in contrast to the more traditional lines of the buildings of Clarendon. The Peloton takes this one with a bit of speed at the end of the long straight run down Crystal Drive.I’m not sure what Chris Horner has in his mouth in this shot....
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